Suzuki Cup tickets on sale today

SINGAPORE — Fans of the Singapore national football team can expect to pay from S$13.80 (Category 4) to S$36.70 (Category 1) for discounted tickets to watch the ASEAN Football Federation Championship (Suzuki Cup) at the National Stadium when Group B of the tournament kicks off on Nov 23.

At normal prices, the tickets would cost S$18 and S$48, respectively, with Category 3 and 2 tickets priced at S$28 and S$38.

Tickets at the Jalan Besar Stadium are priced at S$18 for Gallery and S$26 for Grandstand for matches involving Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.

Discounted prices apply for the three matches involving Singapore, which will be played at the 55,000-seater stadium, with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) offering 15 per cent off for all Singaporeans on the occasion of the Lions’ first tournament at the Sports Hub.

An early bird discount of 10 per cent will also apply until Nov 20, giving fans the incentive to get their tickets early. Package discounts will bring ticket prices down further, with the FAS also offering a Family Package (two adults and two children) of S$40.80 for Category 4 tickets.

Calling the tickets, which go on sale today, affordable — students under 16 and senior citizens above 60 can get in for S$8 per ticket — FAS president Zainudin Nordin hopes the fans will be encouraged to turn up to support the Lions.

“Ticket prices for the Suzuki Cup are being made affordable so that all of us can come together and support the national team,” he said.

The sentiment is shared by long-time Singapore football supporter and tour group operator Akbar Hashim, who said: “The ticket prices are reasonable. You pay S$30 plus for a comfortable seat and at the same time, you are supporting Singapore football. No complaints.”

Graphic artist Mohamad Farid has spent the past few seasons supporting the LionsXII in the Malaysian Super League and he describes the Suzuki Cup ticket pricing as fair.

“I mean, S$48 before discount for Category 1 ticket is still a little high, but I will buy the cheaper ones that I can afford,” said Farid. “We normally go in groups and the Category 4 tickets are okay with us.”

Singapore begin their defence of the Suzuki Cup against Thailand on Nov 23 before taking on Myanmar (Nov 26) and Malaysia (Nov 29). The Lions will also take to the National Stadium pitch in their new kit, launched yesterday at the Nike store at Shaw House.

Lions skipper Shahril Ishak, who was the Player of the Tournament when Singapore won the trophy in 2012, hopes fans will turn up in huge numbers to support the team.

“I am sure my team-mates are looking forward to the Suzuki Cup and it will make us feel even more comfortable playing in front of our own fans,” said Shahril. “Their voices and their cheers will spur us on. So please come in huge numbers to lend us your support.”

Suzuki Cup tickets go on sale today. For more details, go to www.sportshubtix.sg