Vietnam is planning a landmark sporting venue that could become the world’s largest stadium by spectator capacity, surpassing a record currently held by India. The proposed VinFast Trong Dong Stadium, under development in the capital, Hanoi, is designed to accommodate 135,000 spectators and could open in 2028 if construction proceeds according to schedule.
The ambitious project is part of a wider international sports city development intended to strengthen Vietnam’s capacity to host major sporting competitions and large-scale entertainment events. With its enormous seating capacity, distinctive architectural concept and planned retractable roof, the stadium is expected to become a major feature of the country’s sporting infrastructure.
If completed as planned, the venue would exceed the capacity of India’s Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which accommodates approximately 132,000 spectators. The Vietnamese project would therefore represent a significant shift in the global stadium rankings, although its eventual status will depend on the completed facility and its officially confirmed capacity.
A US$2 billion investment in sporting infrastructure
The foundation stone for the VinFast Trong Dong Stadium project was laid on 19 December 2025. The proposed investment is approximately US$2 billion, equivalent to around Tk 24,730 crore according to the figures provided for the development.
The stadium forms part of a broader plan to establish an international sports city in Hanoi. Such a development could provide Vietnam with a venue capable of accommodating major sporting events, international gatherings and entertainment productions that require substantial seating capacity.
Building a stadium of this scale involves far more than constructing stands for spectators. Transport access, crowd management, emergency evacuation routes, security arrangements and facilities for visitors all play essential roles in ensuring that a venue can operate safely during major events.
The wider sports city development is expected to provide the setting for the stadium, although the project’s ultimate effectiveness will depend on the delivery of supporting infrastructure and the arrangements put in place to manage large crowds.
Architecture inspired by Vietnam’s ancient heritage
One of the defining features of the planned stadium is its architectural inspiration. The design draws on the traditional Dong Son bronze drums, historic artefacts closely associated with Vietnam’s ancient cultural heritage.
The Dong Son culture is renowned for its bronze craftsmanship and intricately decorated drums, which represent an important part of the region’s artistic and historical legacy. Incorporating this inspiration into a modern stadium is intended to create a connection between contemporary architecture and Vietnam’s cultural identity.
The approach could also give the venue a distinctive visual character, setting it apart from stadiums designed primarily around conventional sporting requirements. For a project of this scale, the combination of national heritage and modern engineering is intended to make the structure a recognisable landmark.
A retractable roof for year-round events
The stadium is planned to feature an automatically opening and closing roof. This would allow the venue to adapt to different weather conditions and event requirements, providing greater flexibility for organisers.
Although sporting competitions are expected to be a central part of its purpose, the stadium is also being designed to accommodate major concerts and other large-scale events. Its proposed versatility could make it useful beyond the regular sporting calendar, creating opportunities for entertainment and cultural programmes.
Retractable roofs are a feature of several major stadiums worldwide, where they can help organisers respond to changing weather conditions. Their operation, however, requires sophisticated engineering and maintenance, while the overall success of a venue depends on effective management and suitable facilities for performers, athletes and spectators.
Can Vietnam meet the August 2028 deadline?
The current target is to complete construction by August 2028. However, the timetable has not yet been guaranteed, and the planned completion date should be treated as a target rather than a confirmed opening date.
Large infrastructure projects can encounter construction, engineering and logistical challenges. The stadium’s progress will therefore need to be assessed against the proposed schedule, particularly as the development moves towards completion.
If the project is delivered with its planned 135,000-seat capacity, it could establish a new benchmark for stadium size. The venue could also strengthen Hanoi’s ability to host major international sporting competitions and entertainment events, potentially raising Vietnam’s profile as a destination for large-scale gatherings.
The project’s significance extends beyond the prospect of overtaking India’s record. Its combination of extensive capacity, modern facilities and architecture inspired by Vietnamese heritage reflects a broader ambition to develop sporting infrastructure with international appeal.
For now, the VinFast Trong Dong Stadium remains a major project with an ambitious timetable. Whether it ultimately becomes the world’s largest stadium will depend on the completion of construction, its final certified capacity and its formal opening. If those plans are realised, Vietnam could soon have one of the most prominent sporting venues in the world.
