If you’ve noticed flurries of excited fans camping out at W Singapore Sentosa Cove or Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, you’re not alone. Arsenal, AC Milan and Newcastle United have officially arrived in Singapore for the much-hyped Singapore Festival of Football. The star-studded squads touched down over the weekend, and fans wasted no time turning up at the hotels, hoping to score autographs, selfies, or even a wave from their favourite football stars.
Arsenal were the first to land on July 20, flying in fresh from their summer training camp in Marbella with a 30-man squad in tow. The buzz was immediate – think long queues, chants, and a sea of red outside the team’s Sentosa base. AC Milan, meanwhile, had fans exercising patience as the Italian side faced flight delays before eventually checking in at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay. Still, that didn’t stop die-hards from showing up early, some even armed with gifts for the players.
Carabao Cup winners Newcastle United are the last to arrive, flying in just ahead of their big clash at the National Stadium – their first Singapore appearance since 1996. With all three clubs now in town, the stage is officially set.
What is the Singapore Festival of Football?
Launched in 2023 as part of a five-year partnership, the Singapore Festival of Football brings elite European clubs to our shores every other year. Its debut featured English clubs Liverpool FC, Tottenham Hotspur, and Leicester City FC as well as German powerhouse Bayern Munich, drawing tens of thousands of fans and selling out seats faster than you could shout "VAR!"
This year, the stakes feel even bigger. Not only are Arsenal returning to Singapore for the first time since their 2018 International Champions Cup appearance, but AC Milan are making their long-awaited Singapore debut. Add the star power of Newcastle United into the mix, and you’ve got a trio that promises edge-of-your-seat action and massive fan energy. And with the festival not returning until 2027, this is a golden ticket moment for footie fans in Asia, not just Singapore.
The match dates
The festival kicks off with an opener between Arsenal and AC Milan on July 23. It’s North London pace and pressing versus Italian finesse and legacy – a rare showdown between two clubs steeped in Champions League history.
Then on July 27, Arsenal will face Newcastle United in a match that’s already generating serious buzz. With both clubs hungry to test their mettle ahead of the new Premier League season, this fixture is expected to be high-octane from the first whistle.
Bonus for Gooners: Arsenal fans can get even closer to the action with an open training session on July 25 at the National Stadium – a rare behind-the-scenes peek at Mikel Arteta’s squad in full prep mode. Think drills, warm-ups, and maybe even a cheeky nod from your favourite player.
Will there be any fringe activities?
There’s more to the Singapore Festival of Football than just the 90-minute thrillers on the pitch. Off the field, fans can look forward to a stacked lineup of events that bring them closer to the action – and their footballing heroes. Young aspiring footballers can get in on the action. Arsenal are running a four-day football clinic, led by club coaches and graced by legends like Gilberto Silva and Bacary Sagna. That’s right – the Invincibles are in town, and they’re here to inspire the next generation. Meanwhile, AC Milan fans are in for a rare treat on July 22. A select few Rossoneri die-hards will get access to a behind-the-scenes experience with the team, including a private meal with players and exclusive access to typically off-limits areas.
Not to be outdone, Newcastle United are giving fans plenty to cheer about too. The club will team up with local charity Pertapis for a community food drive on July 26 – a reminder that football’s about heart, not just hardware. Later that evening, fan favourites Shay Given and Shola Ameobi will pop by the Weston Corp outlet in 313@somerset for a meet-and-greet, before heading to the Fan Zone at the National Stadium on July 27 before kick-off.
Will there be live telecasts?
Missed out on tickets or just want to soak in the atmosphere pint-in-hand? Fret not. While official screening details are still under wraps, several live screenings are expected to pop up around the city, especially given the buzz surrounding this year’s lineup. If it’s anything like the last festival, you can expect a public screening at the Singapore Sports Hub as well as live broadcasts on Mediacorp platforms, including Mewatch. Add to that the city’s many footie-friendly pubs and bars, and you’re sorted for full-throttle fan energy.
Match tickets start from $108, while the Arsenal open training session starts from $34. Get your tickets here.