The grandstands on the sides of Le Duan Street in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 have basically been completed by April 14 in preparation of a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).
The grandstands span 400 meters in length, running from an intersection with Pham Ngoc Thach Street to Nam ky Khoi Nghia Street.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, vice director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, said the grandstands can host 5,260 people, an increase of 1,601 people compared to the previous 40th anniversary of Reunification Day.
The main grandstand is 10 meters high and has basically been completed, with seats, paths, fences and LED screens installed.
In the middle is a grandstand with a roof above, which is now still under construction. Reporters will work at the back, along with medical personnel.
The main stage is situated in front of the main grandstand, erected upon the pavements of Le Duan Street and a part of the 30/4 Park, in front of the Independence Palace.
Vehicle access to Le Duan and Pasteur streets have been restricted over the past few days for the grandstands' construction. Traffic police officers have been dispatched to coordinate traffic in the area.
The stage is coated with wood to ensure safety. LED screens have also been installed at both the grandstands and the stage.
20 LED screens have also been installed along downtown roads of the city for both locals and tourists to watch the anniversary celebration.
Grandstands and stages are under construction inside the Independence Palace, which witnessed the fall of Saigon.
Hundreds of workers are installing sound and lighting systems, as well as roofs for the grandstands and the stages.
Scaffoldings that are 20 meters high are used for the installation of screens, sound and lighting systems.
"Since early April, we construction workers have been striving to complete the grandstands and stages in time for the people to watch the parade," said Lo Van Thim, 37.
