Changlimithang Stadium

History

Changlimithang Stadium is Bhutan’s national multi-purpose stadium located in Thimphu. Originally built in 1974 for the coronation of the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, it was refurbished in 2007–08 for the Fifth King’s coronation and centenary of the Wangchuck dynasty. Post-2009 it gained floodlights via Tata’s sponsorship, and in 2012 an artificial pitch was installed to support the launch of the Bhutan National League. The venue sits on a historic battleground from the 1885 unification of Bhutan.

Description

The stadium holds approximately 15,000 spectators and features a natural‑grass pitch replaced later by artificial turf. It also hosts archery, cricket, volleyball, and athletics events. Located at an altitude of ~2,300 m, it’s one of the highest stadiums in the world, giving a distinct home advantage to Bhutanese athletes.

Architectural Features

Constructed as concrete terraces, Changlimithang retains a simple yet functional design. The west stand was expanded to 21 rows during the 2007 renovation, adding facilities underneath including offices, changing rooms, and banqueting spaces. The open‑air layout includes a track and has basic amenities aligned with its multi-use purpose.

What is “Changlimithang”?

The name “Changlimithang” refers to the historic battlefield where unity was established in the 1880s and the location of Bhutan’s monarchy coronations, which frames the stadium’s name and significance.

Records

Upon opening, the capacity was ~10,000. Renovations expanded it to ~30,000, then standardized to 15,000 with seated capacity. It has hosted international tournaments like the Central American and Caribbean Games of 1997, as well as high-profile events such as the FIFA World Cup trophy tour in 2014 and Ed Sheeran’s first international concert in Bhutan (January 2025).