Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium

Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium was built as a modern replacement for an older Surabaya venue and became the new home base of Persebaya Surabaya. It is named after Bung Tomo, a National Hero of Indonesia who played a leading role in the country's struggle for independence, giving the stadium a symbolic link between sport and Indonesian history.

Construction and opening

The stadium was built as part of the Surabaya Sports Center complex in the Benowo district on the western side of the city. Conceived as a modern multi-purpose arena whose principal use became football, it replaced Gelora 10 November Stadium, the previous home of Persebaya Surabaya, providing the club with considerably larger and more modern facilities suited to professional football.

Major renovations

As a relatively recent build, the stadium has undergone progressive upgrades to its stands, playing surface and facilities to meet the requirements of Indonesian league football and international standards. The Surabaya Sports Center was designed as an integrated sports complex, allowing the stadium to operate in conjunction with the other venues on the site.

Notable moments

The most significant moments in the stadium's history are the home fixtures of Persebaya Surabaya, one of Indonesia's traditional and passionately supported clubs. A symbolic milestone was the opening of the complex and the club's move from Gelora 10 November Stadium, marking a new era for Surabaya football at a modern ground bearing the name of National Hero Bung Tomo.

The atmosphere at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium reflects the exceptional passion of Indonesian football supporters. Home matches of Persebaya Surabaya are among the loudest in the country, with the stands alive with singing, drumming and colourful choreographed displays that turn every fixture into a major event for the whole of Surabaya.

Fan culture

The supporters of Persebaya Surabaya, known as the Bonek, are among the most devoted and numerous fan communities in Indonesia. Their backing is constant and loud, accompanied by club chants, waving flags and organised choreography. For Surabaya, football is part of the city's identity, and a matchday transforms the stadium into one of the most intense football settings in Southeast Asia.

Big matches

The most anticipated occasions are the league fixtures of Persebaya Surabaya in Indonesia's top flight, especially against traditional rivals, when the capacity of 55,000 spectators fills to the last seat. The stadium's large size makes it the natural setting for the club's most important home matches and for other significant football events in the East Java region.

Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium is located in the Benowo district on the western edge of Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city. Surabaya is well connected through Juanda International Airport and a developed road network linking the city with the surrounding regions of East Java.

How to get there

• Car and taxi: The most convenient option for visitors is a taxi or ride-share service, both widely available in Surabaya; the complex lies on the western edge of the city and is reached via the main city roads.
• Public transport: City bus routes serve the Benowo area, with services to the complex typically reinforced on matchdays.
• Matchday planning: Allow extra time, as the area around the stadium fills considerably during home matches of Persebaya Surabaya.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Persebaya Surabaya matches are available through the club's official sales channels and on site on matchdays. Given the club's popularity and the large capacity of 55,000 seats, it is advisable to secure tickets in advance for attractive fixtures.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: Come well before kick-off; the atmosphere and the support of the Bonek fans begin long before the match starts.
• What to bring: Be prepared for Surabaya's tropical, humid climate; light clothing and plenty of water are recommended.
• Where to park: The Surabaya Sports Center offers parking areas; on matchdays it is best to arrive early as spaces fill quickly.