Old Victoria School set to roar on Saturday

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SINGAPORE: The interest level for the first leg of the Asian Zone World Cup second round qualifier between Singapore and Malaysia here on Saturday is so high many believe the old National Stadium would have been filled with a capacity 55,000 fans.

With the Jalan Besar Stadium only able to seat 6,000 fans - the venue for all 'A' internationals here until the new national stadium at the Sports Hub is ready in April 2014 - thousands of die-hard fans here and from across the Causeway have no tickets.

With MediaCorp TV's Channel 5 broadcasting the match "live" from 7.25pm on Saturday, those who want a taste of the atmosphere of a big crowd, and perhaps even hear the roars from the stadium while watching the match "live" on a giant screen, can head down to the old Victoria School field next to the Jalan Besar Stadium.

And it will be free entry.

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and the People's Association (PA), who occupy the school premises now, will work together for the screening, and the plan includes entertainment before the match and at half-time.

Food and beverage will also be available.

And the atmosphere could be ratcheted up with the possible arrival of eight buses carrying Malaysian fans known as the "Ultras", who have no tickets.

The Football Association of Malaysia received 500 tickets for the match.

Away from the stadium, several night spots plan to show the match "live".

Hard Rock Cafe will cater to local fans, and marketing manager Natalie Wee said jug prices for beer will be reduced during the match.

"Saturday is usually our busiest day of the week, but this match is really big for Singapore football fans and it is too important to miss out," said Wee.

Harry's, which operates 32 bars and a string of restaurants around the country, plans to show the match in at least 10 outlets, including Tampines and East Coast.

"We're just over (with) the visits of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea to the region and are now in the midst of planning which of our outlets will show the match 'live'. Fans will have to check with us in a day or two where they can go to," said Brian Masters, the chain's head of sales and marketing.

Dennis Foo of St James Holdings said eight of his 18 properties, including St James Power Station, are gearing up for the Causeway derby action.

His outlets will offer Happy Hour prices during the match.

"Singapore-Malaysia matches are always huge and as this is the biggest match - as it is World Cup action - we can't afford to let it go," said Foo. "It is going to be a great atmosphere for us."

Grandstand tickets costing S$23 each for the July 28 return leg of the Asian Zone World Cup second round qualifier between Malaysia and Singapore at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil Stadium, will be on sale from Wednesday until Friday between 12pm and 8pm at the Jalan Besar Stadium's main office. Only 2,000 tickets are available.