Southeast Asian fans are thrilled as Vietnam breaks ground on the world's largest stadium.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Dong Son Drum Stadium on February 25, 2025, quickly became the focal point of attention for Southeast Asian football.

The project is part of the major Olympic Sports City development in Hanoi, featuring a massive scale of 135,000 seats and a modern retractable roof. According to the plan, the stadium itself is scheduled for completion in August 2028, while the entire complex, including transport infrastructure and auxiliary sports facilities, is expected to be finished by 2035.

Immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony, work on land leveling, technical infrastructure, and foundation preparation was accelerated.. The official start of construction also means the entire surrounding area will be activated in sync, from the connecting transport system to commercial, service, and accommodation zones. This promises to generate a powerful ripple effect, not only economically but also in sports.

As news of the groundbreaking ceremony spread, the Southeast Asian football fan community had numerous reactions of note on social media. A Thai fan commented: "If completed on schedule, this will be the largest stadium in Southeast Asia and create new competition within the region."

An Indonesian fan expressed admiration: "135,000 seats is truly incredible; Vietnam is clearly aiming for world-class tournaments."

Fans from Malaysia and the Philippines praised the stadium's uniquely Vietnamese design: "This is not just a football pitch; it's a statement of Vietnamese football's ambition." and "Infrastructure like this could change Southeast Asian football's position on the international map."

Notably, a Singaporean fan recognized the vision behind Vietnam's construction of the Dong Son Drum Stadium: "If managed well, this stadium is fully qualified to host a future World Cup or Olympics."

The organizers stated the project is envisioned to become a new national icon, similar to England's Wembley Stadium, the Beijing National Stadium, or Lusail Stadium. The stadium's design draws inspiration from the Dong Son bronze drum, a symbol of community spirit, strength, and endurance in ancient Vietnamese culture.

Beyond architectural elements, the project prioritizes eco-friendly materials and energy-saving solutions. In the future, the stadium is expected to host large-scale sports and cultural events, while also serving as a platform for Vietnam to bid for major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics.

Reactions from the region demonstrate the project's appeal and influence extend beyond national borders. In the context of Southeast Asian football increasingly investing in facilities and youth training, the emergence of a 135,000-seat stadium in Hanoi could provide a major boost in terms of prestige and opportunities to host international events.