New SZ Sports Center Stadium opens to public

A view of the new stadium. Wu Lei

After a five-year renovation, the Shenzhen Sports Center Stadium in Futian District is set to make a grand return. At 8 p.m. tomorrow, the stadium will host the home debut of the Shenzhen soccer club for the 2025 Chinese Super League season.

A new sports landmark in the city, the stadium was upgraded from a 32,000-seat comprehensive facility to a professional soccer field with a maximum capacity of 45,000 spectators.

It is the first professional soccer field in Shenzhen that meets the standards for hosting international Class A soccer matches — the highest level of official international soccer competition.

The stadium has adopted intelligent technology, with multiple innovative designs comparable to those of top international Premier League stadiums. It has also been equipped with intelligent temperature control and a three-dimensional drainage system, ensuring the field is usable just 20 minutes after a heavy rain and matches are unaffected by unfavorable weather.

The soccer field is equipped with a lighting system that helps the turf grow, even on cloudy days or at night. In addition, the turf is complemented by a sub-surface ventilation system capable of both blowing air and suction. Blowing air involves sending cool air into pre-installed pipes to prevent the turf roots from rotting due to dampness. On the other hand, suction is used in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain. When there is water accumulation on the field that the drainage system may not be able to cope with, the suction creates negative pressure, allowing water to be quickly drained away.

The stadium has also introduced a combination of augmented reality (AR), Bluetooth beacons, and geographic information system (GIS) maps within the venue to provide audiences an immersive, intelligent navigation experience.

The ultra-high-definition viewing screen consists of four 141-sqm screens, allowing every moment of the match to be displayed in exquisite detail.

For added convenience, 594 of the stadium’s 1,093 bathroom stalls can be converted for use by either men or women, depending on demand.

Built in 1985, the Shenzhen Sports Center has long served as a cornerstone for sports and entertainment in the city. It includes a gymnasium, a stadium, a swimming and diving complex, a badminton and tennis center, and other public facilities. It has hosted major events such as the 20th anniversary celebration of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, the sixth National Games, and the eighth Asian Table Tennis Championships. It closed for renovation in 2020.

In November, the stadium will play a pivotal role in the 15th National Games, which will be jointly hosted by Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao. Various competitions will take place at the center, including badminton, men’s soccer (U20 and U18), archery, and darts. 

Metro：

Line 14: Huangmugang Station (黄木岗站), Exit 8A

Line 6：Sports Center Station (体育中心站), Exit B; or Bagualing Station (八卦岭站), Exit G2

‌Line 7‌：Huangmugang (黄木岗站), Exit 8A; or Bagualing Station (八卦岭站), Exit G2