The stadium was specifically commissioned to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 National Sports Week (PON XVIII).
Its total seating capacity makes it the largest stadium in the province of Riau.
The surrounding area is part of a planned integrated sports complex known as the Riau Main Stadium area.
The stadium design incorporates a unique curved roof structure intended to reflect regional architectural motifs.
Riau Main Stadium is a multi-purpose venue in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, constructed as the primary site for the 2012 Pekan Olahraga Nasional (PON) XVIII. It features an architectural design capable of accommodating approximately 44,000 spectators. The stadium serves as the centerpiece of a larger sports complex in the Tampan district. Following the conclusion of the 2012 games, the facility has faced intermittent maintenance challenges and periods of limited operational usage. It remains one of the largest sporting structures in the Sumatra region. The site occupies a significant land area on Jalan Naga Sakti, designed for large-scale national and regional athletic events.
The wide approach road on Jalan Naga Sakti offering a full perspective of the stadium's exterior facade.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid high temperatures, as there is limited shade in the surrounding paved area.
Ensure you have water and snacks, as on-site vendor availability varies significantly depending on whether a scheduled event is taking place.
Do not expect the facility to be fully accessible or open for tours inside the main arena unless a public event is officially listed.
The facility is not open for daily public entry; access is restricted to event-specific days or designated public jogging hours around the perimeter.
Modest athletic wear is recommended; avoid swimwear or excessively revealing clothing in the public complex areas.
