No matter which band is performing at the Sports Hub, this guide has you covered
2024 is truly the year of concerts in Singapore, with the likes of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran already performing here, and now Bruno Mars is set to croon over 3 nights at the National Stadium.
And to be honest, who can say no? We would be absolute animals to deny our favourite stars who’ve travelled thousands of miles just to perform for us.
Whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer or a wide-eyed newbie, navigating this epicentre of entertainment can be as thrilling as it is daunting. But fret not, my fellow music aficionados, for I bring you the ultimate guide to surviving a National Stadium concert.
We REKKOmend:
- Plan your entrance and exit
- Dress comfortably and wisely
- Only pack the essentials
- Grab some supper before heading home
- BONUS: Just turn up without tickets
Plan your entrance and exit
Of course, you can take your chances and drive or take a taxi, but that’s highly not recommended, as traffic is expected to be at a standstill within the area. And we haven’t even talked about the sky high surge prices that are expected.
So, opting for a train might be a better shot.
While the Stadium MRT station is the most obvious choice, it’s also the equivalent of diving headfirst into a mosh pit. For those who prefer a less…intimate journey, consider alighting at either Mountbatten or Kallang MRT Station.
However, located a short walk away are two other MRT stations, perfect for avoiding the crazy crowds, considering the Sports Hub has a capacity of 55,000 people. After all, a few thousand people heading straight for the same train station is bound to result in some long queues and frayed tempers.
Mountbatten MRT
If the Stadium MRT crush becomes too real, you might want to take an alternative route to Mountbatten MRT Station, which comes with the added benefit of being one stop nearer to your destination, should you be heading towards the east on the Circle Line. A slightly tricky part of this route is that you will come to a roundabout, where the only way to navigate is to jaywalk. But don’t. Just turn left and head towards the underpass that leads to the Home of Athletics track. The best part? This route is fully sheltered!
The 1.2km trek is expected to take about 17 minutes, and you’ll take a relatively flat route past the iconic Kallang McDonalds and KFC outlets. Stop for a bite at your own risk though, as there’s usually a massive crowd on event days.
Kallang MRT
About the same distance away is Kallang MRT Station, which requires an 18-minute walk. It’s actually slightly nearer than Mountbatten, but this scenic route will see you traverse over Nicoll Highway and through Old Kallang Airport.
Not sure how to get there? Just head to Gate 14 and follow everybody else. You’ll end up at Kallang MRT eventually.
Grabshuttle
Just like they did for the Coldplay concerts, Grab is once again coming in clutch with FREE shuttle services after the Taylor Swift concerts.
These free Grab shuttles will be situated at pick-up point A, located near Gate 14 of the National Stadium, and will run from the moment the concert ends. Keep an eye out for the directional arrows!
There are 2 routes for the shuttles, and they are:
- Stadium to Redhill MRT to Jurong East MRT
- Stadium to Boon Keng MRT to Toa Payoh MRT
You can even score a free $5 Grab voucher! Just sing a line from any Taylor Swift song to the handsome guy in the green Grab tee, and you’ll be rewarded with a voucher. Quantities are limited though, so its first come first only.
Dress comfortably and wisely
Unlike other arenas around the world, the National Stadium comes with its own air-conditioning! However, the 23 degree cool air is pumped in from under the seated sections, which doesn’t help standing audiences at all.
So, keep in mind to dress light if the weather outside looks scorching hot, for standing around hundreds of other sweaty people can make for an immensely uncomfortable experience.
If the sky looks like – in the words of Bruno Mars – it will rain, then pack an umbrella, for you never know what the path to the MRT station may look like after the concert.
Just ask these people who had to wade through muddy water after the Coldplay concert.
Apart from the outdoors, some spectators inside the stadium are also at risk of getting attacked by rain. That’s right, while the Stadium comes with a roof, there remains a small unsheltered area at the end zone of the arena, around Gates 1, 2, 22, and 23.
Only pack the essentials
A typical concert can last 2-3 hours, but if you’re planning to go down earlier for merch purchases or just soak in the atmosphere, the entire experience can take 6 hours. Which means you’re gonna need some essentials to survive.
Bag: In Singapore, bags don’t have to be clear and see-through, but they will be subject to a bag check during entry. So we suggest a small sling bag that will fit only must-haves. Backpacks and haversacks are discouraged.
Bring:
- Plastic water bottle: According to the Sports Hub website, steel bottles are not allowed, while plastic bottles are. In addition, audience members at the standing pen are also not allowed to bring in a water bottle. However, to avoid constant trips to the restroom during the show, sip water judiciously.
- Portable charger: With all the photos, videos, and social media updates, your phone’s battery can drain faster than you’d expect. Carry a portable charger to keep your mobile device juiced up throughout the event, ensuring you’re ready to capture every memorable moment.
- Snacks: Queues can be long and arduous, so pack some light bites to keep yourself fueled up. Food options at the nearby malls – Kallang Wave Mall and Kallang Leisure Park – are expected to be extremely crowded, which means bringing your own food is encouraged.
Don’t bring:
- Water: Keep that water bottle empty though, as filled water bottles may be requested to be emptied. There are multiple water coolers inside the stadium, so you can refill them anytime.
- Cash: Merch and F&B sales accept cashless payments nowadays, so you can safely keep your cash at home!
- Professional digital camera
- Selfie stick
Grab some supper before heading home
Given that Kallang is situated right next to Geylang aka the home of late night food, there is no shortage of post-concert supper spots within a comfortable walking distance. Here are some suggestions:
Imam Banana Leaf Restaurant
Some good ol’ prata always hits the spot. Imam Banana Leaf Restaurant is a classic prata joint located a stone’s throw away from Kallang MRT. It’s also open 24 hours a day so no matter how long the trek is, know that they’ll always be open for you. Apart from their prata offerings, check out the Maggi Goreng and Nasi Kandar dishes.
Address: 12 Lorong 1 Geylang, Singapore 389120
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
Geylang Lor 9 Fresh Frog Porridge
A little further from Imam is Geylang Lor 9 Fresh Frog Porridge, an icon of the frog leg porridge scene. The frog legs here are said to be fresh, juicy, and tender, pairing well with the fragrant and spicy sauce. They’re open until 4am every day of the week, so there’s no fear of being disappointed.
Address: 235 Lorong 9 Geylang, Singapore 389294
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs 4pm to 4am, Fri – Sun 12pm to 4am
BONUS: You can still turn up without tickets
When you try your best but you don’t succeed, just turn up anyway. Because you can still get a free concert with no need for a ticket.
During Coldplay’s week-long residency, large groups gathered outside the stadium just to listen and jam along. There were stories of fans singing in unison at their own “Category 10” seats, and even one of a fan getting a free ticket from a staff member.
Just because you didn’t get a ticket doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time, and some would argue that this experience is one that money can’t buy.
Featured image via SGAG on Instagram, Google Maps
