Lạch Tray Stadium
Lạch Tray Stadium 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.
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
- **2003**: Preparation for the 2003 Southeast Asian Games
- Additional renovations occurred in **2013** and **2021**.