Lingnan Pearl Stadium in Foshan

The Lingnan Pearl Stadium (岭南明珠体育馆) is located in Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, at Ji Hua 5th Road. Construction began in April 2004, and the stadium was completed in June 2006. Covering 22.3 hectares, it was designed by Japan’s Sentada Mitsuru Co. Ltd. Environmental Design Institute. The stadium can accommodate more than 9,500 spectators and serves as the home venue for the CBA Foshan Long-Lions Basketball Club.

Overview

  • Name: Lingnan Pearl Stadium (岭南明珠体育馆)
  • Location: Ji Hua 5th Road, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province
  • Area: 22.3 hectares
  • Seating Capacity: 5,260 permanent seats, 3,064 temporary seats

Structural Features

The Lingnan Pearl Stadium is a modern sports facility designed to accommodate a variety of events. It consists of multiple venues with a distinctive architectural design. The complex features three large interconnected domes that give the structure its signature appearance, reminiscent of a shining pearl. This modern design aims to integrate functionality and aesthetic appeal while offering a versatile venue for sports, performances, and public events.

The main components of the stadium complex include:

  • Main Sports Hall: A large venue designed to host major sports events, concerts, and cultural performances. It has a flexible seating arrangement that includes both permanent and movable seats.
  • Training Hall: Used primarily for sports training and smaller events, it also serves as a backup venue during large-scale competitions.
  • Public Hall: A smaller venue for community sports, exhibitions, and conferences. It is designed to provide a space for various activities, from fitness classes to corporate events.
  • Public Fitness Plaza: An outdoor space designed to promote fitness among the general public, featuring a variety of sports courts and fitness areas.

Development History

Lingnan Pearl Stadium’s construction began on April 25, 2004, with the groundbreaking ceremony. The stadium was completed on July 28, 2006, with a total construction period of two years and three months. It was designed by Japan’s Sentada Mitsuru Co. Ltd. Environmental Design Institute and Guangdong Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute. The stadium’s total investment exceeded 600 million RMB.

The Lingnan Pearl Stadium was built to cater to the growing demand for sports infrastructure in Guangdong Province and to serve as a hub for major sporting events. It was one of the main venues for the 12th Guangdong Provincial Games held in 2006.

Main Venue Features

The Main Sports Hall is the central feature of the Lingnan Pearl Stadium. This large venue is designed to accommodate a variety of sports events, concerts, and exhibitions. It features:

  • Seating Capacity: 8,000 seats, including 5,788 permanent seats and 2,804 movable seats.
  • Dimensions: The main sports hall covers an area of 75,967 square meters, with a height of 33 meters and a diameter of 132 meters.
  • Indoor Layout: The hall features retractable seating, which allows for flexible arrangements depending on the event. This ensures that the space can be adapted for both large-scale sports events and intimate performances.
  • Equipment: The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting systems, large LED screens, sound equipment, and VIP lounges. The lighting and sound systems are designed to meet international standards for large events.

The main hall’s layout and design ensure that all spectators have a clear view of the action, whether they are sitting close to the stage or at the top of the arena. The retractable seating system provides additional flexibility, making it possible to adjust the seating to suit different event sizes.

Notable Events Held

The Lingnan Pearl Stadium has hosted several prestigious events, including:

  • 2006 Guangdong Provincial Games: The stadium was one of the main venues for the 12th Guangdong Provincial Games, which featured a variety of sports competitions.
  • 2006/2007 National Gymnastics Championships: The stadium hosted this major gymnastics competition, drawing athletes from across the country.
  • 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games Boxing Events: The stadium was also used for the boxing competitions during the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.

Training Hall Features

The Training Hall is a two-story venue with a basement and an upper floor. It features:

  • Seating Capacity: 920 seats for spectators.
  • Dimensions: The training hall has an indoor space of 45×35 meters.
  • Equipment: The hall is equipped with professional lighting systems, sound equipment, and large LED screens, similar to those in the main sports hall. The high-quality wooden floors make it ideal for sports like badminton, table tennis, and other indoor activities.

The training hall is primarily used for youth training, local sports activities, and as a warm-up venue during major events. It also serves as a space for smaller sports events, conferences, and exhibitions. The hall is adaptable and multifunctional, with a focus on providing a quality environment for sports training.

Public Hall Features

The Public Hall is a smaller venue that serves as an auxiliary facility to the main sports hall. It is designed for a wide range of community events, including:

  • Sports Activities: The hall can accommodate smaller sports competitions and recreational events.
  • Exhibitions and Conferences: It is used for cultural exhibitions, business events, and trade shows.
  • Size and Layout: The public hall does not have permanent seating, but its layout is designed for flexibility, with open space to accommodate various activities.

The hall is equipped with modern lighting, sound systems, and other amenities to ensure a pleasant experience for both participants and attendees.

Public Fitness Plaza Features

The Public Fitness Plaza is an open-air space dedicated to promoting fitness among the general public. It spans 28,000 square meters and includes:

  • Basketball Courts: 18 outdoor basketball courts that are open to the public and provide recreational facilities for fitness enthusiasts.
  • Covered Walkways: A sheltered corridor that allows people to exercise and relax outdoors, even in rainy weather.
  • Usage: The plaza is used for community fitness activities, mass sports events, and public gatherings.

The plaza is equipped with smart lighting and sound systems, which ensures that events can be held both during the day and at night. It is a versatile space used for large sports events, trade exhibitions, and community activities.

Cultural and Entertainment Events

In addition to sports, the Lingnan Pearl Stadium is a venue for cultural and entertainment events. For example:

  • On June 1, 2024, a concert featuring popular artists like the Grasshopper Band (草蜢乐队), Xiang Hailan (向海岚), and Liang Junuo (梁君诺) was held at the stadium. The concert featured dazzling stage lighting and performances of classic songs, attracting a large audience.

Transportation and Accessibility

The Lingnan Pearl Stadium is strategically located in Foshan and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:

  • Public Transportation: The stadium is well connected to public transport, with bus and metro stations nearby.
  • Parking: The stadium offers ample parking space for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. There are designated parking lots on the east and west sides of the stadium, as well as parking for taxis on the west side.
  • Access for Disabled Visitors: The stadium is designed to be accessible for disabled individuals, with ramps and other facilities ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.