Not many cities in the country can boast of having a huge open and luscious field right at the heart of the city to cater for all sorts of sporting events.
Measuring some 9.39 acres or 3.80 ha, Ipoh Padang grounds can hold a full fledged football pitch, two to three hockey pitches, a cricket practice corner and also a canteen.
The then Ipoh Municipal Council main office was just next to the grounds.
Soccer tournaments like the Ipoh League used to draw large numbers of spectators from near and far.
Boisterous cheer and excitement from people from all walks of life used to be never ending during the season.
To cater for the spectators, push cart vendors offered cold drinks like freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, soya bean, snacks and the also the famous Ipoh chendol.
As for hockey, the Ipoh League was also held there along with numerous Razak Cup tournaments along with inter- school and inter- district matches.
Thus, the field was the spawning ground and launching pad for many national and international players.
“The iconic Ipoh Padang used to be the main venue for football, hockey, rugby, cricket, tennis. There was a time when an Indian team came to play hockey at Ipoh Padang and they were without shoes,” recalled a former sports writer, Chandra Sagaran.
A stone throw away across the road is the St Michael’s Institution and the Indian Muslim Mosque.
Overlooking the majestic field is also the Royal Ipoh Club which itself has a vibrant history.
The famous FMS Bar used to be the hangout place for those wanting a “stronger” drink after their matches.
Adjacent to the venue are rows of lawyers offices as it is the nearest location to the city’s courts. Even a stock market used to be around there however the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank still operate around the vicinity.
Not only that, the field is only a walking distance to the Ipoh Railway Station, the then main bus station, the Central Police station and State Mosque.
Also is the iconic Ipoh Town Hall and the previous main post office and the popular food court along with the Birch Memorial Clock Tower are located.
Many may also remember the first double decker car park catering for lawyer offices, bank staff and others was nearby.
The old Ipoh Library next to the Royal Ipoh Club and the new Ipoh Library is across the Royal Ipoh Club in the vicinity.
There was also the “shady side” of the Ipoh Padang as by night it was known to be the meeting point for love birds in those days, thus bright lights were installed by the local council.
Presently, the Ipoh City Council is in the process of upgrading sections of the field to be a “light and sound” concept attraction.
Groups of people are often seen in the mornings or evening doing their walking or jogging there. As for those who can recall the sporting excitement at the Ipoh Padang, I’m sure they will relish the glory days of the great Ipoh Padang.