Olympic Stadium
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Smart RSN Stadium
Phnom Penh Cambodia
RSN Stadium, currently known as the Smart RSN Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a dedicated football venue located in the Tuol Kork district of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Opened in 2015, it serves as the home ground for Phnom Penh Crown FC, one of the most successful clubs in the Cambodian Premier League. With an all-seater capacity of 5,000, it is widely regarded as one of the best club-owned stadiums in the country, offering a modern, intimate environment designed specifically for football without the obstruction of a running track.
By កូនប្រចៀវ - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Capacity
5.000
History of the Venue
The stadium was a passion project of the late Rithy Samnang, the influential owner of Phnom Penh Crown FC, whose initials (RSN) give the stadium its name. Construction began in 2014, and the venue officially opened in June 2015 with the RSN Youth Cup, an international tournament featuring youth teams from Thailand and Malaysia. Since its inception, the stadium has been a symbol of the club’s commitment to professionalizing Cambodian football. In 2023, the venue gained further regional prominence by hosting women’s football events during the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
Architecture and Design
The Smart RSN Stadium is a « pure » football arena, featuring a natural grass pitch and stands that are positioned close to the touchlines. Its all-seater design ensures a high standard of comfort and safety for spectators. The stadium is compact and functional, utilizing a mix of permanent and modular seating structures. The absence of a running track creates an intimate « English-style » football atmosphere where every fan has a clear, unobstructed view of the action. The facility also includes professional dressing rooms, a media center, and VIP boxes.
Atmosphere and Matchday Experience
The atmosphere at RSN Stadium is often the most vibrant in the Cambodian Premier League, especially during « Red Singha » home matches. The club’s supporters are known for their organized chanting, flags, and drums, which resonate strongly within the compact 5,000-seat bowl. The matchday experience is highly professional, featuring pre-match entertainment and a fan zone area. The stadium’s design ensures that the energy from the crowd is directed onto the pitch, making it a formidable « fortress » for visiting teams.
Location and Accessibility
The stadium is located in the northern part of Phnom Penh in the Tuol Kork district (Phum Boeng Chhouk).
– By Car/Taxi: It is easily accessible via the city’s main arterial roads. Taxis and « tuk-tuks » are the most common ways for international fans to reach the venue from the city center.
– Public Transport: While bus networks are expanding in Phnom Penh, most fans prefer private transport or ride-hailing apps (like Grab or PassApp) due to the stadium’s specific location within a residential and commercial developing zone.
– Walking: The stadium is located within a gated sports complex, so walking from the main road entrance to the stands is required.
Origin of the Name
The stadium is named after Rithy Samnang (RSN), the visionary chairman of Phnom Penh Crown FC who passed away in 2022. The name stands as a legacy to his investment in the club’s academy and infrastructure. The « Smart » prefix was added following a long-term sponsorship agreement with Smart Axiata, Cambodia’s leading telecommunications provider. Locally, many fans still simply refer to it as the « Crown Stadium. »
How to get to Smart RSN Stadium
The most convenient way to reach RSN Stadium is by using a ride-hailing app like Grab or PassApp. From the Riverside or BKK1 areas of Phnom Penh, the journey typically takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Simply input « Smart RSN Stadium » as your destination. If you are driving yourself, there is a dedicated parking area within the club’s complex.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
As an all-seater stadium without a running track, there are no bad views at RSN. The main grandstand offers the most comfort and shade, making it the best choice for afternoon kick-offs. If you want to be in the heart of the noise and passion, look for seats near the active supporters’ group (The Red Singha). The corner sections also provide a unique, close-up perspective of the players as they come out of the tunnel.
Where to eat and drink near Smart RSN Stadium
The stadium features a fan zone and several kiosks serving cold drinks, local snacks, and fast food on matchdays. For a more varied meal, the surrounding Tuol Kork district is one of Phnom Penh’s premier dining hubs, featuring a wide array of Khmer restaurants, international cafes, and high-end eateries. Many fans choose to have a meal in the nearby TK Avenue outdoor mall before heading to the stadium.
Good to know
RSN Stadium is a safe, family-friendly environment. It is recommended to arrive about 30-45 minutes before kickoff to soak in the pre-match atmosphere and find your seat. Tickets can usually be purchased at the gate on matchdays, but for high-profile matches or derbies, it is safer to buy them in advance through the club’s official channels or partner apps. Finally, remember that Cambodia can be very humid; stay hydrated and, if you are in the unshaded sections, a hat or sunscreen is a must for daytime games.
