Sleman to have world-class stadium

Sleman to have world-class stadium

YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono on Friday laid the corner stones of an international standard soccer stadium in Njenengan hamlet, Maguwoharjo village, Sleman.

Sleman Regent Ibnu Subiyanto said the stadium would boast an international standard soccer field.

"With this facility, we will be able to host international soccer clubs," Ibnu said.

The three-hectare stadium will be built on a 17 hectare plot of land. A parking area of some five hectares, a racing track, a go-cart track, a bowling center, a fitness center and other supporting facilities are also included in development plans.

The stadium is expected to be completed within one and a half years, or two at the latest, Ibu said.

He said the local administration has allocated Rp 87 billion for the construction. However, the whole project is estimated to cost almost Rp 150 billion and the management is looking to the private sector for the additional funds.

"The seating areas, the access road and even the name of the stadium will be offered to sponsors. Everything in the stadium complex is designed to generate income. That will in turn be used to develop soccer in the region," Ibnu said.

The management are determined to make the stadium a success.--JP