Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club, best known by its moniker, JDT, has celebrated a Decade of Dominance, an incredible feat where Malaysia’s Super League trophy has made a permanent resident in the southern state since its inception in 2013.
It is also worth mentioning, the team has completed a clean sweep of all four trophies at stake last season while remaining unbeaten in the Super League and FA Cup last season.
Much was talked about the incredible feats of the Johor Southern Tigers, including the Home ground infrastructure newly built in 2020 – Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI) in Iskandar Puteri.
At a cost of RM200 million, the new stadium that replaces the former Tan Sri Dato’ Hj Hassan Yunos in Larkin was voted Stadium of The Year in 2020 by the European website StadiumDb.Com. Closed for COVID-19 safety measures, SSI has re-opened for public and home games for JDT since April 2022.
With state-of-the-art facilities, SSI was entrusted to host AFC Champions League (ACL) Group I matches in 2022, where JDT made history as the first football club from Malaysia to survive the gruesome Round 16, defeating former ACL champions in the tough roster.
Situated right at the southernmost part of Malaysia, where it is close by to Singapore and Indonesia, SSI has been the talk of the region, and when Malaysia Southern Region Tourism – Johor sent an invitation to experience the stadium’s VIP Box, bestowed by His Royal Highness Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the important figure that owns and envisions JDT to be where it is at now, it was a huge chance not to be missed.
Right when the media entourage first touched down, we were brought into the JDT Hummer Tour by PS Holidays. Setting that VIP mindset right from the limousine ride seems apt, it is easy to start feeling chic, and this really helps warm up to the idea of an VIP experience.
Together with us are the Taiwanese travel agents’ entourage brought by Malaysia Southern Region Tourism – Johor. It was a delight and a fitting picture to see the two organisations exchanging gifts under ‘Sports Tourism’ emblazoned at the Grandstand counter.
As a football fan, the VIP Box experience is an exciting opportunity, and surely, it is one of the best things to offer any sports enthusiast.
Our entourage walked from the Hummer tour to the VIP entrance, where we were greeted by elegant ladies before we got into the spacious lobby before we got into the lift, and the first thing we saw is the door to the zeon zoysia’s pitch.
On our left, an array of luxurious buffet from the Double Tree by Hilton was served, with the chefs welcoming us to have a bite. En suite, with the powder room, sofas and air-conditioned hall, the VIP experience sets in. It dawns on me that we are welcomed, important guest for that day.
The VIP seat was easily the third best after the Royal and Corporate Box’s seats in the stadium, where you get to see the entire stadium with roaring supporters surrounding the venue, giving me goosebumps just from the ambiance.
The night was humid and drizzling, and the dramatic atmosphere of the football match made the experience of sitting right in the middle of the stadium so much better.
Known for having the best players and most supportive community, the Boys of Straits, who have set the night ablaze, it’s not too much to say that night gave our entourage a night that will always be remembered.
That night feels like we were transported out to the European football match when it is actually right in the heart of Johor, Iskandar Puteri, nearby the emerging sports city.
The match was well over a year ago, right before the Malaysian League took an international break to allow Hari Raya and Harimau Muda to partake in the SEA Games in May 2023. It is still fresh in my mind—the touch of luxury in the stadium’s hospitality and the exhilarating rush of adrenaline I felt on that day.
It is so addicting to be in the VIP seat, and the public could have the perks by purchasing the season pass – available to purchase at the SSI’s Customer Service Centre, facing right in front of the JDT Headquarters from 10am to 6pm or by calling 607-5852085.
Fellow enthusiasts might also be interested to walk inside the stadium like you are in the football team by taking a Stadium Tour, organised by the same company for the Hummer tour.
As for normal match experience, public could purchase tickets to any match that is held in SSI, three days prior to the matchday.
It is lauded as having among the best seats that come with the cheapest tickets nationwide, ranging from *RM10 to RM50, from the back of the goal post’s zone to the Grandstand’s seats.
Catch the next upcoming match by following Johor Southern Tiger’s post and purchasing tickets from www.tickethotline.com.my.
*before tax and processing fees
