The Lao National Sports Committee (LNSC) says improvements to the Chao Anouvong football stadium in Vientiane are 85 percent complete in the lead-up to the 25th SEA Games.
The committee is currently planting new grass in and around the stadium and believes the upgrade will be complete by September.
Manager of the Construction Projects for the 25th SEA Games, Mr Khiengkham Phouthchanhthavong, said the government is spending 25 billion kip on improving the football stadium. The upgrade began in May 2008.
The improvements include the installation of a high-standard electrical system, scoreboard, running tracks and public facilities. The stadium will be used for the first round of men's and women's football matches.
Last February, a delegation from the Asia Football Confederation inspected the stadium to ensure it meets international standards.
The existing stadium has 7,000 seats, which is believed to be sufficient to accommodate spectators at the first round of the football tournament.
The national football team is currently training at the national sports training centre in Huayhong village, Chanthabouly district. The Savankham Construction Company is undertaking the improvements to the football stadium.
The former national football stadium has hosted the Prime Minister's Cup, the National Games and Lao League Division 1 football matches.
The LNSC is also improving other football stadiums at the National University of Laos, Banking Institute and Lao National Television, which will be used as football venues during the games.
The National Football Stadium in Dongsanghin village, Xaythany district, will be used for later round football matches and track and field events.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
