Axiata Group Berhad has teamed up with the Malaysian Stadium Corporation to redevelop the Putra Indoor Stadium at the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex.  Through the corporation, the Putra Indoor Stadium, now renamed Axiata Arena, is set to be the crown jewel of the complex when it reopens in July 2017. According to the Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Khairy Jamaluddin, this partnership is “in line with the Transformasi Nasional 50 (TN50) initiative and will support the government’s initiative to create a ‘Sporting Nation’.”

Currently, the arena is undergoing extensive upgrading works to integrate it with the rest of the complex with the aim of creating a world-class venue for sports that is on par with other international venues like the Staples Center in Los Angeles and the O2 Arena in London. After the refurbishment, Axiata Arena is intended to be the focal point of the SEA Games and Para Games that Malaysia will be hosting in August 2017.

Through the partnership, Axiata Arena will be the first digitalised venue. The indoor and outdoor connectivity will be enhanced to allow digital feature to work seamlessly. The arena will have its own interactive app, facial recognition technology, LED scoreboards and signage, new sound systems, as well as interactive games and entertainment.

In terms of facility, the venue will have increased seating capacity (over 14,000), corporate suites, and modifiable seating arrangements and ground surface to allow for a variety of events including badminton, gymnastics, martial arts, concerts, conferences, and exhibitions.

Over the years, the indoor venue has seen a number of different events held under its roof from concerts, musicals, national celebrations, WWE matches, international games, and more. After about 19 years, it’s time the arena got a face lift, don’t you think?