KL Concerts: What to Expect at TM Stadium Nasional or Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil
Planning to attend a concert in Kuala Lumpur? Whether you're seeing your favourite artist at TM Stadium Nasional (formerly Bukit Jalil National Stadium) or Unifi Arena (formerly Axiata Arena), this guide covers everything you need to know before your event.
The inside of Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur lit up during an Ed Sheeran’s +-=÷x concert.
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Located within KL Sports City in Bukit Jalil, these are two of Malaysia's biggest venues for concerts and sporting events. TM Stadium Nasional is a classic open-air stadium with a capacity of 87,500, while the neighbouring Unifi Arena is a fully indoor venue that seats up to 16,000 people.
If you're confused by the venue names, you're not alone. Both venues were recently rebranded:
Bukit Jalil National Stadium → TM Stadium Nasional
Putra Indoor Stadium → Axiata Arena → Unifi Arena
From concerts by Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Blackpink, Billie Eilish, and Bruno Mars to upcoming shows by BTS, Post Malone, The Weeknd, My Chemical Romance, Evanescence, and 5 Seconds to Summer, Bukit Jalil remains one of Southeast Asia's top destinations for major live events.
But many first-time visitors don't realise that getting to Bukit Jalil can be the most challenging part of the experience. Kuala Lumpur’s traffic is notorious, and transport options, entry procedures, and crowd management can feel overwhelming if you don't plan ahead.
After attending Ed Sheeran's concert at TM Stadium Nasional and Super Junior concerts at Unifi Arena, my friend Melody and I documented everything to help you plan a smooth event.
In this guide, you'll learn how to get to Bukit Jalil, where to eat, what to bring, and how to make the most of your concert experience in Kuala Lumpur.
Axiata Arena has been renamed to Unifi Arena, located in the same sports complex as the stadium. Unlike the stadium next door, it’s a fully indoor venue. (Say hi to my friend Mia! ☺️)
CONCERTS AT BUKIT JALIL NATIONAL STADIUM:
Choosing Your Tickets
TM Stadium Nasional is a massive outdoor venue. For Ed Sheeran’s +-=÷x Tour, as well as many other concerts held here, the stage was set up for a 360-degree experience—which means there are times when you’ll be watching from behind.
Ed Sheeran performing in TM Stadium Nasional (formerly Bukit Jalil National Stadium)
At this show, my friend and I had seats 209/Q/09 and 209/Q/10—quite high up and pretty far from the action, which wasn’t ideal for a one-man performance. We paid 498 MYR per ticket, plus a 10 MYR booking charge and a 20 MYR ticket fee each. From the bleachers, the view was limited, but the sound quality was excellent. The floor section looked spacious and comfortable for a more intimate experience.
For Unifi Arena, it’s a fully indoor venue with 16,000 seats. I don’t think you can go wrong with seating here — all seem to offer a decent, unobstructed view.
Super Junior performing in Unifi Arena (formerly Axiata Arena)
TRAVELYNNE TIPS:
🏟️ TM Stadium Nasional is next to Unifi Arena.
🗺️ Their Google Maps pins are:
🚫 Neither venue allows power banks or portable fans inside
🚆 Whenever possible, take the train — Kuala Lumpur’s traffic can be unpredictable and frustrating.
📴 Expect poor phone reception during major events, so save your tickets and maps for offline use in advance.
Getting to TM Stadium Nasional or Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil
Bukit Jalil station offers easy access to both TM Stadium Nasional and Unifi Arena, about 10-minutes walk to either main entrance.
A view of Bukit Jalil station and night market taken from the steps of the stadium.
Take the Train (~30 minutes from Chinatown)
Since KL is notorious for traffic, public transit is your best bet. The TM Stadium Nasional and Unifi Arena are easily accessible via the LRT. From Masjid Jamek Station in Chinatown, take the direct train to Bukit Jalil — it's a 20-minute ride with 10 stops.
Once you arrive, the stadium is impossible to miss — it’s right outside the Bukit Jalil LRT Station, about 10 minutes walking to the entrance. Unifi Arena is located just behind it, and is also about a 10-minute walk.
Take a Rideshare (~40-60 minutes from Chinatown)
I don’t really recommend taking a rideshare to Bukit Jalil National Stadium. KL’s traffic is notoriously bad, and what looks like a 40-minute drive on Google Maps can easily turn into an hour or more — especially before and after big events. On top of that, finding a car afterward can be a nightmare, and surge pricing can make the ride expensive.
If you absolutely must take a rideshare, your options in KL include Grab (most popular), InDrive, and AirAsia Ride. If you're struggling to get a car, try selecting "Grab Premium" as they sometimes arrive faster.
But my true recommendation is to take the train if you can.
Entering TM Stadium Nasional or Unifi Arena
What’s Allowed Inside
First, you should know that both TM Stadium Nasional and Unifi Arena are strict about what is allowed inside the area.
Besides your usuals, like no outside food or drinks, you cannot bring a portable fan or a power bank into the arena. So be sure to leave those behind and have your phone fully charged for the show. To preserve battery, you can turn your phone on airplane mode and/or low battery mode.
Crowds wait outside of Door C at TM Stadium Nasional, waiting to pass security.
Finally entering the stadium to take our seats - this is in Tier 2, Block 209 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium (now called TM Stadium Nasional).
Entry Process
Unfortunately, organization isn’t Malaysia’s strong suit, and it really showed during the concert — especially when it came to the entry process at the stadium. We were pretty disappointed with how things were handled, as it took us nearly an hour to get inside after arriving around 7:40 PM (the line didn’t start moving until 8 PM).
The line for Gate C, where we had to enter, started a 10-minute walk from the entrance. Signage was confusing, and there were no staff outside to guide people. We ended up missing the opening act and just barely made it inside for Ed Sheeran’s set.
Crowds were waiting a very long time to enter the stadium at door C - many missing the opening act.
Bottom line? Arrive early for any concert or sporting event at TM Stadium Nasional or Unifi Arena to avoid missing out.
What Items are Prohibited at TM Stadium Nasional and Unifi Arena?
One of the most common questions I receive is whether power banks are allowed at TM Stadium Nasional (formerly Bukit Jalil National Stadium) and Unifi Arena (formerly Axiata Arena). In my experience, both items are typically prohibited, and security checks are strict.
Prohibited items can vary slightly depending on the organizer, but common restricted items include:
Power banks and portable chargers
Portable or handheld fans
Professional cameras and recording equipment
Selfie sticks and tripods
Food and beverages from outside the venue
Large bags or backpacks
Umbrellas
Laser pointers
Weapons or sharp objects
Alcohol and illegal substances
All guests should expect bag checks and security screenings before entering the venue.
Because prohibited items may vary by event, always check the organizer's official guidelines and your ticket information before arriving. If you're unsure, it's safest to leave non-essential items at home, as there may be limited or no storage facilities available at the venue.
Preparing for Rain
Kuala Lumpur sees a lot of rain, and it can be a quick drizzle or a full-on downpour. We had to wait outside for a long time in the rain before getting in, and since the floor area of the stadium isn’t covered, it’s best to come prepared. A poncho is a good idea, and wearing waterproof shoes or sandals might save you from soggy regrets.
Unifi Arena is a fully indoor venue, so you won’t have this issue, but you may have to wait outside for a while before getting indoor access, so it’s still good to be prepared.
Many were prepared for rain at this concert with colorful ponchos.
If you forget a poncho, don’t worry — there were plenty of vendors selling them just outside the Bukit Jalil LRT Station for 10 MYR each.
The merchandise area was located just outside of the stadium entrance.
Food & Drinks at TM Stadium Nasional or Unifi Arena
The night market here was surprisingly vibrant and colorful. You’ll walk through the market to get from Bukit Jalil station to the stadium, seen at the back, or Unifi Arena just behind it.
Between TM Stadium Nasional and Bukit Jalil Station, there’s a large night market where you’ll find plenty of food, drinks, and even some retail shopping. Keep in mind that alcohol is not sold at the night market or inside the stadium — only food and non-alcoholic beverages are available.
Food is reasonably priced at the food stalls in front of Bukit Jalil Station. At this food truck, for example, a burger is 15 MYR.
Another food truck offering chicken varieties for 12-13 MYR.
The good news? Even inside the stadium, food and drinks are pretty affordable. A Carl’s Jr burger costs around 15 MYR, a hot dog is 10 MYR, and coffee or tea from a truck outside the venue ranges between 10-14 MYR. If you’re looking for something even cheaper, you’ll find juices and soft drinks from vendors outside the venue.
If you’re attending an event at Unifi Arena, you’ll want to eat before arriving (or at a stall outside) because the options inside are more limited (just a Subway and Ramli burgers).
Tip: Be sure to bring some cash with you. Malaysians can pay via QR code with their local bank app.
Wanna go out after the show?
Getting Home
Like any big concert, leaving is the most chaotic part. Fortunately, Bukit Jalil LRT Station is right outside the stadium, but expect long queues. The only way to avoid them is to leave slightly early — though, of course, that means missing part of the show.
The crowds at Bukit Jalil LRT Station after a concert in TM Stadium Nasional (formerly Bukit Jalil National Stadium)
If you’re thinking about taking a rideshare instead, be prepared for a challenge. Traffic will be a mess, prices on rideshare apps will surge, and taxis will be both scarce and expensive.
We tried waiting it out to see if the crowds would thin, but even when we got on the last train, it was still packed. The night market wasn’t particularly active after the show, so there wasn’t much to do while waiting.
That said, the crowds thinned out after a few stops, and the rest of the train ride was manageable. Trains don’t run past 12:30 AM, but since concerts end well before then, you’ll have enough time to make it back. In some cases, the city may extend train service until later to accommodate special event schedules.
Be prepared for crowds when leaving the concert, and stay calm and kind with those around you :)
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Jalil is a suburb of KL, so it wouldn’t be the most interesting area to stay in, besides being near the stadium or arena. If you want to book something in the city’s action, then KLCC or Bukit Bintang are the areas to look at. Both offer easy access to public transportation, plus access to nearby attractions and lots of good food within walking distance.
MY GO-TO HOTEL APARTMENT STAYS IN KUALA LUMPUR INCLUDE:
Platinum Homestay Luxury Apartments (from $57 USD per night)
The Robertson Residence (from $62 USD per night)
Regalia Residence (from $22 USD per night)
FOR A HOSTEL, I RECOMMEND THIS ONE:
Sunshine Bedz Hostel (from $11.50 USD per night)
If you are traveling with others and looking for something in a lower budget, consider staying in an apartment in Chow Kit, like the Regalia, a complex offering nice units for short-term stays, located on the KTM rail line for ease of transportation in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. TM Stadium Nasional is the new name for Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia's largest sports and concert venue. The name changed on 6 March 2026 following a three-year naming rights partnership between Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia (PSM) and Telekom Malaysia (TM).
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Yes. Unifi Arena is the new name for the indoor venue formerly known as Axiata Arena. Before becoming Axiata Arena in 2017, it was known as Putra Indoor Stadium.
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The venues were renamed as part of a naming rights agreement between Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia (PSM) and Telekom Malaysia (TM). Revenue generated through the partnership will help fund upgrades to facilities, seating, amenities, and technology while supporting the long-term sustainability of the venues.
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The new names officially took effect on 6 March 2026.
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Possibly. Depending on when tickets were issued, you may see either Bukit Jalil National Stadium or TM Stadium Nasional, and either Axiata Arena or Unifi Arena. They refer to the same venues within the KL Sports Complex.
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Both venues are located within the KL Sports Complex in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They are next to each other and are easily accessible by public transportation (MRT) via the Sri Petaling and Ampang LRT lines. They are also accessible via car or ridesharing with Grab or InDrive, but know that traffic is notorious in KL.
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TM Stadium Nasional is an outdoor stadium used for large-scale concerts, football matches, and major events. Unifi Arena is an indoor venue that hosts concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, and entertainment shows.
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Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia has announced that revenue from the naming rights partnership will be invested in upgrades to visitor amenities, seating, technology, and overall venue infrastructure to improve the event experience.
Enjoy your concert in Kuala Lumpur!
Going to see one of your fave artists play is always an exciting experience, and you don’t want it ruined by transportation or venue issues. Plan accordingly for your event at TM Stadium Nasional or Unifi Arena, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time! Leave power banks and fans at home, take the train when possible, arrive early, and be prepared for rain — then all that’s left to do is enjoy the show.
This article was originally published in 2024. It was fully updated in June 2026.
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