Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium deserves a precise description. Its familiar name often refers to a historic sports complex rather than just one pitch or a boxing venue. A useful stadium profile separates architectural history, individual facilities and the activity actually announced for a particular date.
Establish the documented identity
The Vann Molyvann Project records completion of the National Sports Complex in 1964 and describes the team led by Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann. This historical fact helps identify the site, but it does not establish present-day operating arrangements. An architectural record answers which building you are looking at; an event announcement answers what is happening there now. Keep those evidence types separate. An old description should never become an implied guarantee of public entry, a current opening time or a contemporary competition schedule.
References for this point: The Vann Molyvann Project — The National Sports Complex
Separate the outdoor arena and indoor stadium
The architectural archive distinguishes the outdoor arena, an indoor stadium and aquatic facilities. Visitors therefore need the exact installation named in their invitation. A photograph of a football pitch may not show the space where another sport is taking place. On a practical itinerary, create three fields: complex, building and entrance. This is useful when meeting a group, reserving transport or assisting someone who cannot comfortably walk around searching for reception. If the event uses an informal venue abbreviation, ask the organiser to expand it before leaving.
References for this point: The Vann Molyvann Project — The National Sports Complex
Practical comparison before you decide
| Item | What to compare | Useful check |
|---|---|---|
| History | A completion date identifies the building rather than today’s programme. | Consult specialist architectural records. |
| Facility | The outdoor arena and indoor stadium are separate spaces. | Request the precise building name. |
| Capacity | Historical seating does not measure tickets currently available. | State the date and context of any figure. |
| Visit | Public access and access to sporting areas may differ. | Follow current management instructions. |
Interpret capacity figures in context
Seating capacity belongs to a date, a facility and a particular layout. Historical figures may include terraces that do not correspond to seats offered for a current event. This guide therefore does not turn an archival capacity into a ticket allocation. When an organiser publishes a number, check whether it refers to the entire stadium, an opened stand or a reserved section. A theoretical capacity also cannot establish actual attendance from a partial photograph. Distinguishing capacity, tickets issued and people present prevents an attractive number from becoming a misleading claim.
Read the site as a connected design
During an authorised visit, observe how buildings, entrances and open spaces relate to one another. Architectural interest extends beyond the most photographed façade. Historic drawings help explain the layout, but an old plan may omit fences, works or temporary restrictions. It must not be used as a current evacuation map. Follow signs and staff directions on site. You can appreciate the complex from permitted areas without entering changing rooms or interrupting training. Bring your own notes rather than relying on a map that may need an internet connection inside the venue.
Understand what the stadium name cannot prove
The word Olympic does not give every event held nearby Olympic status. Likewise, a boxing programme announced in the area should not be assigned to the complex without an explicit venue statement. Sponsor, broadcaster and building names can appear beside one another on a poster. Record them separately instead of merging them into one supposed arena identity. In an article or photograph caption, publish confirmed details and identify unresolved information. A familiar sports name is useful for orientation but cannot substitute for a dated organiser announcement.
References for this point: National Sports Complex, Ministry of Education Youth and Sport — National Sports Complex
Prepare access questions for families and visitors with mobility needs
Ask which route is open and whether steps are unavoidable between the entrance and the intended seat. An exterior photograph cannot establish indoor accessibility. Families should agree on a meeting point and explain restricted boundaries to children. If particular assistance is needed, contact the organiser before booking. A major facility does not guarantee support without notice or an appropriate seat in every section. These practical questions improve a visit without inventing an accessibility certification. Check the return pickup location as carefully as the arrival route, especially after a crowded event.
Document photographs responsibly
Separate general architectural images from recognisable portraits. Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly children. An empty venue image should not illustrate an assumed crowd, and archival images need dates. When documenting changes to a building, retain the viewpoint, date and source of the compared photographs. In a Kun Khmer article, explain why this stadium appears: orientation, sporting heritage or a specifically confirmed event. That prevents an unsupported boxing history from being attached to a multipurpose venue simply because both belong to the world of sport.
Checklist for an encyclopaedic venue record
- Identify the full name and distinguish any alternative names.
- Attach historical dates to a specialised source.
- Separate the overall complex, outdoor arena and indoor hall.
- Date capacity claims and avoid confusing them with current ticket availability.
- Confirm present programmes independently with their organisers.
- Check current access and photography instructions on arrival.
- Identify the exact place and responsible organiser.
- Confirm date, access and applicable conditions.
- Plan outward and return travel.
- Separate historical information from current availability.
Sources and how to use them
The references below support the institutional facts and health guidance discussed here. Planning suggestions and comparison grids are editorial tools: they are not an official gym ranking, medical clearance or a guaranteed timetable. Confirm practical arrangements with the responsible organiser before travelling or joining a session.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Olympic Stadium the same as Morodok Techo?
No. They are distinct complexes. Check the complete name on your programme and transport instructions.
Does an old document establish current capacity?
No. Renovations and event layouts can change the number of places actually available.
Does this guide announce regular boxing events there?
No. It explains the venue and how to verify its use. Individual events need separate confirmation.
Does a heritage visit include changing-room access?
No. Stay within authorised areas and follow the instructions of management or the organiser.
Sources and verification
- The National Sports Complex — The Vann Molyvann Project — 2026-10-23
- National Sports Complex — National Sports Complex, Ministry of Education Youth and Sport — 2026-10-23