Hangzhou gears up for World Cup Qualifier
The Big Lotus and buildings along the Qiantang River are illuminated to cheer on the Chinese national men's soccer team. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]
The Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, known as the Big Lotus, has been illuminated in red, the most popular color in China, signaling that the city is ready to host the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier between China and Australia on the night of March 25.
The match marks the stadium's first intercontinental event since the Asian Games were held in 2023 as well as its highest-level soccer competition to date. Since the announcement in December, the venue has been in full preparation mode, refraining from hosting other major events to ensure the best conditions possible.
Key upgrades included renovated player tunnels, media stands, and photography platforms, as well as enhanced training field lighting. The pitch underwent careful maintenance, meeting official inspection standards last week. Since its reinstallation in February, the turf has been fertilized, watered, trimmed, and monitored daily, with experts providing recommendations based on real-time data.
China's head coach Branko Ivankovic personally inspected the venue in January and praised the stadium's facilities and turf quality. With the team now on-site for training, further positive feedback is expected.
With nearly 70,000 fans attending, transportation logistics will be a major focus. Drawing from its Asian Games and large-scale concert experience, Hangzhou has implemented a detailed traffic plan, including dedicated shuttle buses and increased metro services on Lines 2, 6, and 7 to ensure smooth post-match traffic.
Fans wait at the Hangzhou International Airport to cheer on the Chinese national men's soccer team. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]
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