As a long-time attendee of football matches for more than twenty years, I recently had the rare and unforgettable opportunity to spectate the game from the “lounge” of the Bung Karno Main Stadium.
Persija Jakarta has officially announced their return to the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta for the BRI League 1 2023-2024 season. The first match of the season against PSM Makassar on Monday (3/7/2023) night serves as a positive indication for the “Macan Kemayoran” to continue playing their home matches in the Capital City for the season.
For several seasons, the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, served as Persija’s home stadium while the GBK Stadium underwent renovations for the 2018 Asian Games and the 2023 U-20 World Cup. Playing at the grandest football stadium in the country provides Persija with a different impression. Besides its larger capacity, Persija’s management is able to utilize the assets of SUGBK that are exclusive to other stadiums in Indonesia.
The most notable asset is the lounge, situated in the stands on the west side of SUGBK, reminiscent of the facilities in major team stadiums in Europe. Although lounge tickets are limited and priced at IDR 1 million per ticket, the exclusive experience they provide makes them highly sought after by club enthusiasts and special invited guests.
My opportunity to experience the SUGBK lounge during Persija’s match against PSM was not a result of my journalistic endeavors, but rather due to an invitation that allowed access to the lounge providing a truly unique and exclusive ticketed experience.
Upon entering the lounge, the refreshing cool atmosphere from the room’s air conditioning immediately stood out, a stark contrast from the often stifling sensation associated with normal stadium stands. The unobstructed view and comfortable amenities provided in the lounge created an environment perfect for individuals seeking to enjoy the match in comfort and style.
The grandstand was not only filled with regular attendees but also esteemed personalities such as Persija President Mohamad Prapanca and PSM Makassar Main Director Sadikin Aksa. Foreign players Ondrej Kudela and Marko Simic were also in attendance, undoubtedly enjoying the exclusivity of the lounge experience.
In conclusion, my experience watching the Persija match from the SUGBK lounge was truly unique. The invitation and the luxurious amenities added an extra layer of comfort and exclusivity to the typical match viewing experience. For football enthusiasts who are seeking an extraordinary way to watch a match, the SUGBK lounge is an option like no other.
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