Changlimithang Stadium

Changlimithang Stadium
Changlimithang is located in Bhutan
Changlimithang
Changlimithang
Location of Changlimithang within Bhutan
AddressChanglimithang, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
LocationThimphu, Bhutan
Coordinates27°28′17.1″N 89°38′27.8″E / 27.471417°N 89.641056°E / 27.471417; 89.641056
OwnerBhutan Olympic Committee
OperatorBhutan Football Federation (BFF)
Capacity15,000
Field size122 x 76 yards
(102.4m x 69.4m)
Field shaperectangular
SurfaceArtificial turf
ScoreboardYes
Construction
Broke ground1974
Opened1974
Renovated2008, 2011
Tenants
Bhutan Premier League
BPL Qualifiers
Thimphu Dzongkhag (District) League
Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Gold Cup
Coronation Championship
Women's National League
Women's Thimphu League (sometimes)
Bhutan national football team
Bhutan men's national volleyball team
Bhutan Archery Federation

Changlimithang Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, which serves as the national stadium of Bhutan. It is predominantly used for football matches and is the home of the Bhutan national football team, other national selections and a number of Thimphu-based football clubs. The stadium also regularly plays host to women's football, archery tournaments, minifootball and some volleyball matches. The stadium was initially constructed in 1974 for the coronation of the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, but was completely refurbished in 2007 in advance of the coronation of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Floodlights were added to the football pitch in 2009 and an evergreen turf laid in 2012, to coincide with the start of the first season of the National League. Located 2,300 meters (7,500 ft) above sea level, the stadium is one of the highest in the world. It has raised numerous controversies in footballing circles, as its significant altitude affects the absorption of oxygen in the human body, offering considerable advantage to the home teams who are more accustomed to such conditions.