Sabah Confirms Construction of Stadium Likas 2
The much talked about plans to build a new stadium in Sabah, known as Stadium Likas 2 has been confirmed.
Based on news reports, the Sabah government has approved the Stadium Likas 2 project and the project is now in its detailing and designing stage.
Sabah Sports Minister Datuk Haji Nizam bin Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Abu Bakar Titingan in making the announcement said that the new stadium will be an alternative to the existing Sabah Sports Complex and enable Sabah to organize massive sporting events in the future.
It was also noted that the new stadium might be built in the next few years although no concrete date for construction works was mentioned by the minister.
The news have generate excitement among Sabah football supporters and sports enthusiasts across Borneo as the proposed development of a new stadium near the Likas area is seen as a major step towards strengthening Sabah’s sporting infrastructure, particularly for football.
It is noted that the proposal gained significant attention after Sabah FC expressed its long-term ambition to have a dedicated home stadium capable of supporting the club’s growth both domestically and internationally.
Unofficial reports indicate that the new venue could cost approximately RM50 million and accommodate between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators but several factors, including financing and location, still need to be finalized before construction can begin.
Why Sabah Needs New Stadium
Although much of reports suggest that the new stadium will be a multipurpose stadium, many have linked it to Sabah FC, which is the profesional football club representing Sabah.
Its rise in recent seasons has increased demand for modern facilities that meet international competition standards.
With the club competing at a higher level and attracting larger crowds, the need for a new venue has become increasingly apparent.
A new stadium would provide fans with a significantly improved matchday experience through modern amenities, hospitality suites, commercial spaces, and advanced technology.
These features could also generate additional revenue streams for the club, supporting long-term financial sustainability.
In addition, the Sabah government has invested heavily in upgrading sports facilities in recent years, including improvements to the existing Stadium Likas to meet standards set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
These upgrades have included modern scoreboards, VAR facilities, and other enhancements that have improved the stadium’s ability to host major competitions.
Stadium Likas 2 therefore would not only serve as Sabah FC’s new ‘home’, but also become a new state-of-the-art venue for national and international sporting events.
Such a development would likely boost local tourism, create business opportunities, and strengthen Kota Kinabalu’s reputation as a regional sporting destination.
In addition, a state-of-the-art stadium in Likas could become one of Kota Kinabalu’s most recognizable landmarks. Its strategic location near the city centre and major transportation links would make it an attractive venue for a variety of events.
Beyond football, the facility could host athletics competitions, concerts, community programmes, and large-scale entertainment events, helping to establish it as a multi-purpose hub for Sabah.
The History and Legacy of Stadium Likas
Stadium Likas remains one of Sabah’s most iconic sporting venues and has served as the home of Sabah football for decades.
Located within the Likas Sports Complex, the stadium underwent major redevelopment in preparation for the 2002 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), significantly increasing its capacity and facilities.
Throughout its history, the stadium has witnessed many memorable moments, including Sabah’s successes in Malaysian football and numerous national-level sporting events.
More than just a sports venue, Stadium Likas has become a symbol of Sabah’s sporting identity, bringing together generations of supporters and athletes.
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