C’est la Vie, this is life. As Singapore bids to establish itself as a regional sports hub, the 34-year-old National Stadium is slated for demolition so that the $225 million Singapore Sports Hub can rise like a phoenix from its ashes by 2011. But at least before it goes, the truly iconic stadium is pencilled in for one heck of a closing celebration.

On 30 Jun, starting from 5pm, the National Stadium will make its final bow with its farewell event. Entitled Field of Dreams-A Tribute to the National Stadium, the party promises to be a spectacle, with plenty of music, football and tributes that Singaporeans won’t soon forget.

Relive old memories as stars from Singapore’s football folklore make their return to the pitch that gave birth to the intimidating Kallang Roar. Taking on their Malaysian counterparts, the legends with the likes of Fandi Ahmad, V Sundramoothy and Quah Kim Song, while no longer able to run at opponents with their shearing pace from yesteryear, will most surely give it their all and wind back the massive stadium clock, filling the place with nostalgia from Singapore’s Malaysia Cup glory days.

Be prepared to be bedazzled at the main event, when the star-studded Australian football team takes on ASEAN Champions Singapore, as part of the former’s preparation for the 2007 Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Asia Cup.

A favourite for the AFC Asia Cup, this Australian team includes the likes of household names like Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Mark Viduka, and Lucas Neill in their First XI. Up against arguably the best team in the region (hey, we’ve been crowned ASEAN champions twice in a row, with 2 fantastic finals played at Kallang), this will truly be a treat for any football fan in Singapore.

And football’s not the only thing on the agenda. Following the main event, there will also be a video tribute made by celebrity father-son duo, Brian and Mark Richmond, plus a performance by home grown singer Kit Chan, who previously sang the National Day song “Home”, to commemorate the wonderful years of service that the National Stadium has provided to the country.

However that’s not all, with the stadium having played host to brilliant firework displays over the years, like those seen at the National Day Parades, the Field of Dreams will aim to cap off the celebrations with a fantastic fireworks display that will rival any of those seen at previous parades.

So with the Field of Dreams ending with a bang (literally), fans can choose to celebrate the memorable night at the event’s after party. So prepare to enjoy yourselves at the LightsOut- The National Stadium Closing Party, which will see the National Stadium transformed into something previously unheard of: 1 mega partying arena.

Whether or not you’ve snagged your National Day Parade tickets this year, many will regret missing the last hurrah and roar of this grand old dame.

Ticketing Information:

1) Field of Dreams – A Tribute to the National Stadium (5pm-10pm)
Tickets sold through SISTIC website (www.sistic.com.sg), authorised agents and telephone hotline (Tel: 6348 5555).

Pre-match day (29 May – 29 Jun 2007):
$15 Adult (excl. $1 SISTIC fee) / $8 Child/Student (excl. $1 SISTIC fee)

Match Day (30 Jun):
$20 Adult (excl. $2 SISTIC fee) / $12 Child/Student (excl. $1 SISTIC fee)

2) LightsOut – The National Stadium Closing Party (10pm-3am)
Tickets will be available from 14 Jun at the SSC Customer Service counters at:
· Choa Chu Kang SRC
· Hougang SRC
· Jurong East SRC
· National Stadium (West Entrance)
· Tampines SRC
· Toa Payoh SRC

Normal Price
$15 (includes one standard drink)

Promotional Price
$10 (with proof of purchase of ‘Field of Dreams’ event ticket from SISTIC)