Lạch Tray Stadium
 | |
| Full name | Lạch Tray Stadium |
|---|---|
| Former names | Central Stadium |
| Location | 15 Lạch Tray Street, Ngô Quyền District, Hai Phong, Vietnam |
| Coordinates | 20°51′06″N 106°41′19″E / 20.851779°N 106.6887428°E |
| Capacity | 30,000 |
| Field size | 105 m × 68 m (344 ft × 223 ft) |
| Surface | Bermuda grass |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1957 |
| Opened | 1958 |
| Renovated | 1977, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2013, 2021 |
| Tenants | |
| Hải Phòng | |
Lạch Tray Stadium (Vietnamese: Sân vận động Lạch Tray) is a multi-use stadium located in Hai Phong, Vietnam. It is primarily used for association football and serves as the home ground for Hải Phòng F.C., a club competing in V.League 1. The stadium currently has a capacity of 30,000 spectators following its latest renovation in 2021.
History
Lạch Tray Stadium was originally built in 1957 on the grounds of the former Lạch Tray Equestrian Club. It hosted its first international match on the evening of January 1, 1958, when the Hai Phong football team defeated a visiting Chinese side 2–0.
In 1959, the wooden stands were replaced with concrete structures, and roofs were added to improve spectator comfort. The stadium gained international attention in 1963 when it hosted a match as part of a tournament featuring teams from Poland, Czechoslovakia, North Korea, and Vietnam (represented by the Haiphong team in place of Mongolia).
During the Vietnam War, in 1972, the stadium's stands A and B were temporarily converted into emergency shelters for Hai Phong Hospital during American bombing raids.
In 1977, the venue underwent a major reconstruction. This included the rebuilding of stands and the installation of four 30-meter floodlights, allowing evening matches. It was also during this period that the stadium was briefly renamed **Central Stadium**.
Further renovations were carried out in:
- **1995–2001**: Structural upgrades to all stands and playing field (cost: 34.95 billion VND)
- **2003**: Preparation for the 2003 Southeast Asian Games (installation of an electronic scoreboard; cost: 14.83 billion VND)
- Additional renovations occurred in **2013** and **2021**.
Besides hosting professional football, the stadium has also been used for athletics competitions, cultural events, and other sports activities. Over the decades, it served as home to several now-defunct or renamed local clubs, such as Hải Phòng Electricity, Cam River Chemicals, Hải Phòng Port, Hải Phòng Cement, Hải Phòng Construction, and Military Region 3.
Stadium structure
Stand A
Stand A is the stadium’s most modern and largest section, with a capacity of 7,600 seats. It is two-tiered and fully roofed with concrete. It faces northeast, in the direction of Lạch Tray Street.
Stand B
Located on the southwest side, Stand B accommodates 4,800 spectators and includes permanent seating. This is known as the gathering place for the most passionate Hải Phòng supporters. A partial roof covers the central portion of the stand.
Stands C and D
Stands C and D are open-air, uncovered terraces located behind the goals. Each has a capacity of around 2,500 spectators and does not include seating.
International matches
| Date | Competition | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 December 2004 | 2004 AFF Championship |  Cambodia
|
0–3 |  Singapore
|
| 6 September 2014 | Friendly match |  Vietnam
|
3–1 |  Hong Kong
|