Loh
Regular Member
I started off by saying this year's Singapore Open will be the best ever. And it did not disappoint!
At that time, it was the unprecedented vast array of badminton stars that was to grace the occasion that made me say that. And it coincided with IOC's 117th Session in Singapore to decide on the host country for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Indeed, apart from IBF officials like Dep President, Punch Gunalan, I could also see the ex-President of the IOC, Mr Juan Antonio Samarauch.
But at the end of it all, the event had surpassed most expectations.
Spectators
Starting with a scant attendance during the qualifying rounds the crowd soon swelled to about 5,000 during the quarter finals and crescendoed to an all-time record of over 8,000 even when no Singaporeans qualified for the finals. That was a fantastic response and it clearly showed that Singaporeans will support quality events.
Audience participating was the best on finals day as many made quite a din with their balloon sticks and bare hands, clapping them in unison to the rhythmic initiatives from the loudspeakers. No rowdiness nor obtrusive shouting was encountered yet there was clearly a sign of appreciation for the effort that the players made on court. Still the China flag and big Chinese characters adorn the galleries from time to time.
As to food and drinks, Cheers, who was one of the sponsors, provided a more varied range of food and drinks at reasonable prices compared to previously. Another sponsor, Tiger, supplied beer.
Despite its age, SIS has always been a pleasant sports venue with great ambience, airconditioning and proper lighting. The lobby which housed the catering outlets and sports stalls, however, seemed a little congested because of the record crowd during the intervals. The recent renovations, especially on the refurbishment of the seats, will prolong SIS's life until a new indoor stadium is built in the vicinity. However, a leak on the roof was spotted during one match and this has to be repaired. Certainly a much better venue than most other stadiums in the region that I have visited.
I shall end this part of my 'Impressions' with the following pics:
At that time, it was the unprecedented vast array of badminton stars that was to grace the occasion that made me say that. And it coincided with IOC's 117th Session in Singapore to decide on the host country for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Indeed, apart from IBF officials like Dep President, Punch Gunalan, I could also see the ex-President of the IOC, Mr Juan Antonio Samarauch.
But at the end of it all, the event had surpassed most expectations.
Spectators
Starting with a scant attendance during the qualifying rounds the crowd soon swelled to about 5,000 during the quarter finals and crescendoed to an all-time record of over 8,000 even when no Singaporeans qualified for the finals. That was a fantastic response and it clearly showed that Singaporeans will support quality events.
Audience participating was the best on finals day as many made quite a din with their balloon sticks and bare hands, clapping them in unison to the rhythmic initiatives from the loudspeakers. No rowdiness nor obtrusive shouting was encountered yet there was clearly a sign of appreciation for the effort that the players made on court. Still the China flag and big Chinese characters adorn the galleries from time to time.
As to food and drinks, Cheers, who was one of the sponsors, provided a more varied range of food and drinks at reasonable prices compared to previously. Another sponsor, Tiger, supplied beer.
Despite its age, SIS has always been a pleasant sports venue with great ambience, airconditioning and proper lighting. The lobby which housed the catering outlets and sports stalls, however, seemed a little congested because of the record crowd during the intervals. The recent renovations, especially on the refurbishment of the seats, will prolong SIS's life until a new indoor stadium is built in the vicinity. However, a leak on the roof was spotted during one match and this has to be repaired. Certainly a much better venue than most other stadiums in the region that I have visited.
I shall end this part of my 'Impressions' with the following pics:
Attachments
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SIS Entrance B.JPG34.9 KB · Views: 755
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SIS North Wing B.JPG32.7 KB · Views: 755
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SIS Information.B.JPG31 KB · Views: 754
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Cheers B.JPG37.8 KB · Views: 754
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Snacks B.JPG34.5 KB · Views: 743
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Yonex B.JPG34.8 KB · Views: 738
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Mini Court B.JPG35.7 KB · Views: 732
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SIS Gallery Entrance nB.JPG37.2 KB · Views: 720
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Corporate Box B.JPG38.2 KB · Views: 723
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View of the Courts B.JPG47.5 KB · Views: 720
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Inside SIS courts B.JPG49.2 KB · Views: 712
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XD SBA CEO Ang ushers B.JPG40.4 KB · Views: 708
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XD China Supporter with flag B.JPG62.5 KB · Views: 707
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XD Staunch Chinga supporters B.JPG50.2 KB · Views: 698
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Preliminaries B.JPG42.8 KB · Views: 700
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On Court B.JPG47.9 KB · Views: 702
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Aviva Open 2005 B.JPG43.2 KB · Views: 693