If you tuned in to the UEFA Champions League action early this morning, you’d know that Arsenal have secured their spot in the semi-finals, after knocking out last season’s champs Real Madrid in a thrilling clash. The Gunners are on fire, and just when you thought the hype couldn’t get any bigger, here’s the kicker: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and co are bringing the heat to Singapore this July.
Joining them are Italian giants AC Milan and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United for what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events in Singapore this year: the Singapore Festival of Football. It all goes down at the iconic National Stadium, with two match days set for July 23 and 27.
What is the Singapore Festival of Football?
Launched in 2023 as part of a five-year partnership, the Singapore Festival of Football brings elite European clubs to our shores every other year. Its debut featured English clubs Liverpool FC, Tottenham Hotspur, and Leicester City FC as well as German powerhouse Bayern Munich, drawing tens of thousands of fans and selling out seats faster than you could shout "VAR!"
This year, the stakes feel even bigger. Not only are Arsenal returning to Singapore for the first time since their 2018 International Champions Cup appearance, but AC Milan are making their long-awaited Singapore debut. Add the star power of Newcastle United into the mix, and you’ve got a trio that promises edge-of-your-seat action and massive fan energy. And with the festival not returning until 2027, this is a golden ticket moment for footie fans in Asia, not just Singapore.
The match dates
The festival kicks off with an opener between Arsenal and AC Milan on July 23. It’s North London pace and pressing versus Italian finesse and legacy – a rare showdown between two clubs steeped in Champions League history.
Then on 27 July, Arsenal will face Newcastle United in a match that’s already generating serious buzz. With both clubs hungry to test their mettle ahead of the new Premier League season, this fixture is expected to be high-octane from the first whistle.
Bonus for Gooners: Arsenal fans can get even closer to the action with an open training session on 25 July at the National Stadium – a rare behind-the-scenes peek at Mikel Arteta’s squad in full prep mode. Think drills, warm-ups, and maybe even a cheeky wave from your favourite player.
Will there be live telecasts?
Missed out on tickets or just want to soak in the atmosphere pint-in-hand? Fret not. While official screening details are still under wraps, several live screenings are expected to pop up around the city, especially given the buzz surrounding this year’s lineup. If it’s anything like the last festival, you can expect a public screening at the Singapore Sports Hub as well as live broadcasts on Mediacorp platforms, including Mewatch. Add to that the city’s many footie-friendly pubs and bars, and you’re sorted for full-throttle fan energy.
Will there be any fringe activities?
Beyond the matches, Singapore Festival of Football also promises an all-out football fiesta. If 2023 was any indication, fans can look forward to meet-and-greets with local football heroes, mini tournaments, skills clinics, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a diehard supporter or just tagging along for the vibes, there’ll be plenty to keep you entertained.
Tickets go on sale on April 25. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the waitlist on Ticketek Singapore by April 21 to gain access to exclusive pre-sale and other promotional activities.