Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Stadium renovation has surpassed 70 percent completion and remains on schedule for handover in October 2026.
Shuji Hayashi, senior architect at Azusa Sekkei, the project’s consulting firm, told the Laotian Times on 17 June that construction has exceeded 70 percent of the overall plan and remains ahead of schedule.
“The renovation is scheduled to be completed in October 2026 and will be handed over to the Government of Laos accordingly,” said Risa Shibata, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) officer overseeing the project.
As the implementing agency for the Japanese government’s grant aid, JICA is responsible for supervising the project on Japan’s behalf.
Risa said major structural work has largely been completed, with interior construction and equipment installation set to continue over the coming months.
Japan-Funded Overhaul
The project is valued at JPY 4.171 billion (approximately USD 29 million) and is funded through Japanese government grant aid. Hazama Ando – Toa Road JV, a leading Japanese joint venture, is implementing the construction.
The grant agreement was originally signed in December 2023, but work began in January 2025.
A Stadium Built for Everyone
The renovated stadium will accommodate 2,767 people, 1,327 seats at the main amphitheater and 1,440 at the back amphitheater, including dedicated zones for wheelchair users.
It will feature a full track and field facility, high-level lighting systems, and a LED scoreboard. The interior will include athlete locker rooms, referee and training rooms, a medical room, meeting rooms, shops, and several multi-purpose rooms.
Disability-inclusive design is central to the project.
The stadium will be equipped with elevators, braille handrails in the stands, restrooms, staircases, and reception areas, as well as slopes at entrances and wheelchair-accessible seating throughout.
“The stadium is targeted for all,” Risa said. “It will not only be a place for athletes to participate in sports events, but a space for everyone in the community of all ages, genders and disabilities to gather together for both sports and cultural events.”
According to data published by the Ministry of Education and Sports in 2019, the stadium served around 100,000 users annually. That figure is expected to rise to approximately 140,000 once the facility reopens.
Eye on SEA Games 2031
Looking further ahead, the renovated stadium is expected to support the 36th Southeast Asian Games, which Laos is scheduled to host in 2031.
The facility is anticipated to serve as a supporting venue alongside the National Stadium KM16, Laos’s largest sports facility, which was first introduced when the country hosted the SEA Games for the first time in 2009.
Once completed, the renovated stadium is expected to enhance Laos’ sports infrastructure and future regional events.
Chao Anouvong Stadium is on track for completion in October 2026. Vientiane, Laos. 17 June 2026. (Photo: Thongsavanh Souvannasane/Laotian Times)
