
Riau Main Stadium
A large, multi-purpose stadium in Pekanbaru, now a popular local hub for recreation, community gatherings, and vibrant street life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for runs & local buzz

Riau Main Stadium
Best Time
Ideal for runs & local buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A large, multi-purpose stadium in Pekanbaru, now a popular local hub for recreation, community gatherings, and vibrant street life.
"It's a nice place to go for a run or do some sort of exercise, despite appearing run-down."

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The grounds are vast; wear comfy shoes for jogging or exploring the stadium's perimeter.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking rules can vary. Consider paying security for designated spots if available.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Stadium Grounds
Surrounding areas
Explore the expansive grounds, perfect for jogging, cycling, and enjoying the open space.

Local Recreational Hub
Stadium perimeter
Experience the lively atmosphere with local vendors and community members exercising.

Architectural Views
Various vantage points
Appreciate the scale and design of the stadium, especially from aerial perspectives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Stadium's Potential and Current Use
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The grounds are vast; wear comfy shoes for jogging or exploring the stadium's perimeter.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking rules can vary. Consider paying security for designated spots if available.
📸 Drone Photography Fun
Capture stunning aerial views of the stadium with a drone for unique perspectives.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if you're exercising, bring water as facilities might be limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The grounds are vast; wear comfy shoes for jogging or exploring the stadium's perimeter.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking rules can vary. Consider paying security for designated spots if available.
📸 Drone Photography Fun
Capture stunning aerial views of the stadium with a drone for unique perspectives.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if you're exercising, bring water as facilities might be limited.
🗑️ Respect Cleanliness
Help maintain the cleanliness of the area, especially around vendor spots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Riau Main Stadium is appreciated for its vast open spaces, making it a popular spot for local recreation like jogging and cycling. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere created by street vendors on weekends, turning it into a community hub. However, some note that the stadium appears run-down and unmaintained in certain areas, with occasional inconsistencies in parking access.
"The stadium was built around 2009 and officially opened for the 18th National Sports Week (PON XVIII) in 2012.
Capacity: about 43,000 spectators.
Covers an area of roughly 64–66 hectares, including fields and supporting land.
Originally designed for national events like PON, this large-scale stadium still has strong potential as a venue for sports and entertainment at national or even international levels.
Owned by the Riau Provincial Government, the stadium sits on a strategic site that could become an economic and sports hub if managed properly.
Local residents use the surrounding area for jogging, cycling, exercise, and culinary activities.
Street vendors and small businesses benefit from the weekend crowd, creating an informal community hub."
Sumair Ahmed Mahar
"I am living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. I have many problems here with water, food, and a place to sleep. I can't sleep well, so I can't drink water properly, so I can't eat properly, so my physical condition is very bad. I have developed various diseases in my body."
shofique alom
"I don't think this stadium is suitable for use anymore. Because from the outside it looks like something is not worth using. When I was invited by a friend to run here, I was surprised that the stadium was still well managed, including inside stadium. The stadium area is also very clean, free from rubbish. But, several spots towards the stadium are filled with traders and there is rubbish around them selling. Supposedly, when they given permission to sell there, traders must prioritize cleanliness, and we as users of the facilities are also responsible. For a month I've been running here, sometimes security doesn't allow me to parking in the stadium area, but sometimes it's allowed. In my opinion, it is better to parking inside stadium area and pay for parking to security than to parking illegally."
Putri A. Smit
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riau Main Stadium is located in Pekanbaru. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services like Gojek or Grab, or by private vehicle. The journey time will depend on traffic conditions, but it's generally accessible within the city.
While specific bus routes might vary, ride-sharing services are a reliable option for direct access. Local knowledge or asking residents upon arrival can also help identify any available public transport.
If arriving in Pekanbaru, you can use ride-sharing apps or taxis from the airport or bus station to reach Riau Main Stadium. It's a significant landmark, so most drivers will be familiar with its location.
The stadium has multiple access points. For recreational activities like jogging, you can often use the perimeter access. For specific events, designated gates will be announced.
While the surrounding areas are generally flat, the stadium's infrastructure might have limitations. It's advisable to contact the management for specific accessibility information if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For general recreational use like jogging or visiting the grounds, no ticket is typically required. Entry is usually free. However, for specific sporting events or concerts, tickets will be necessary.
The stadium grounds are generally accessible for recreation throughout the day. However, specific hours for internal facilities or security access might vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Generally, there are no fees for using the stadium's outdoor areas for exercise. Parking might incur a small fee depending on the area and time.
As a provincial government-owned facility, booking the stadium for private events would likely involve official channels and approvals. You would need to contact the Riau Provincial Government's sports department.
Information regarding official events and ticketing is not readily available online. For event-specific details, it's best to check local news or inquire at the stadium premises.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand architecture of the stadium itself is a prime subject. For unique shots, consider the surrounding open fields and the vibrant atmosphere created by local vendors. Aerial shots from a drone offer a spectacular perspective.
Yes, drone photography is possible and offers stunning aerial views. Ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, for commercial purposes or during specific events, there might be restrictions. It's always good practice to be mindful of privacy.
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the stadium's scale is impressive at any time.
It's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, including street vendors. Many are happy to be photographed, especially if you purchase something from them.
🎫 🏃♀️ Sports & Recreation
The stadium's large, flat asphalt track around the perimeter is ideal for running and cycling. The open fields can be used for informal games or exercise routines.
Yes, the asphalt road around the stadium is approximately 1 km per loop, offering a consistent surface for weekend long runs.
While the stadium was built for national events, the main field might not always be accessible for public use. However, the surrounding areas provide ample space for various recreational activities.
The open spaces around the stadium are suitable for group exercise. You might need to coordinate with local authorities if it's a large organized event.
Information on night lighting is limited. It's generally safer and more common for locals to use the stadium for recreation during daylight hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
On weekends, the presence of local vendors can add an element of fun, offering snacks and drinks. It's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially on hotter days. Be mindful of the sun and consider visiting in the cooler parts of the day. The informal atmosphere makes it a relaxed outing for families looking for some outdoor activity.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Beyond the track, the open fields offer space for calisthenics, yoga, or informal sports. The sheer size of the stadium grounds means you can find quiet spots for focused training or enjoy a long, uninterrupted run. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The surrounding areas, with their local vendors and community activities, offer opportunities for candid shots and capturing the local atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadow on the stadium's structure can be particularly striking during the golden hours. Remember to be respectful when photographing people.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Purpose of Riau Main Stadium
Despite its grand origins, the stadium's current management and utilization have been a topic of discussion. While it possesses the potential to host national or even international events, its upkeep and active use have faced challenges. The Riau Provincial Government owns the stadium, and its strategic location presents opportunities for it to become a thriving economic and sports hub if managed effectively. The surrounding area, covering roughly 64-66 hectares, includes fields and supporting land, offering a vast space for development.
Currently, the stadium serves a more localized purpose. Local residents frequently use the surrounding areas for jogging, cycling, and general exercise. This informal use has fostered a community atmosphere, with street vendors and small businesses often setting up around the stadium, especially on weekends. This creates a vibrant, albeit informal, community hub that benefits from the weekend crowd, turning the stadium's periphery into a lively gathering spot.
Community Use and Local Atmosphere
The presence of street vendors and small businesses adds a unique charm to the stadium's atmosphere. These informal traders create a lively marketplace, offering local snacks, drinks, and other goods. This not only provides convenience for visitors but also contributes to the local economy, transforming the stadium's surroundings into a vibrant, informal community hub. It's a place where people come not just to exercise but also to socialize and enjoy the local ambiance.
However, this informal setup can sometimes lead to minor issues, such as inconsistencies in parking access and cleanliness around vendor areas. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of maintaining the cleanliness of the space and to be aware of the varying parking regulations. Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment is that the stadium, even if showing signs of age, remains a valuable and well-managed public space for the community.
Drone Perspectives and Visual Appeal
Videos showcasing drone footage highlight the stadium's impressive footprint and its integration with the landscape. These perspectives reveal the stadium's potential as a landmark and offer a different appreciation of its design. Whether it's a sweeping overview of the entire complex or a closer look at specific architectural features, drone photography can provide stunning and memorable imagery.
While drone usage is generally welcomed for its ability to showcase the location, it's always advisable to be aware of and adhere to any local regulations or guidelines regarding drone operation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit