“What a transformation” I thought. Once located on Avenida do Infante D. Henrique the Campo dos Operários da Associação Geral dos Operários de Macau now stands proudly at关闸广场.
The Macau Workers’ Union manages this multifaceted sports venue. It is known as the Workers’ Sports Field. Locals often call it the Workers’ Ground or the关闸Workers’ Ground. The Campo dos Operários is more than just a sports field. It is a testament to Macau’s dedication to sports and community.
Originally this space was not what you see today. It began as an informal ball court. It belonged to the Kwong Tai School. People affectionately called it Kwong Tai Ball Court.
Recognizing the need for sports facilities the Macau Workers’ Union expanded the court in 1958. It grew to approximately 10000 square meters. On August 31 of the same year the expanded facility was opened. It was then renamed Campo dos Operários. During its expansion it occupied portions of亜妈喇圆形地and兵营斜巷.
In 1970 the Campo dos Operários added a football field and a basketball court. Later in 1973 a two-story activity center was built. It included offices and indoor facilities. Every two to three years the Macau Workers’ Union held workers’ sports events here.
The new Campo dos Operários at 关闸广场was completed in 2002. The sports venue officially opened on September 13 2003. He Houhua the Chief Executive of Macau and other prominent figures presided over the ceremony. The sports field was moved to its new location. The original site became 新葡京 in 2004.
Since January 23 2006 the Campo dos Operários has been part of the Public Sports Facility Network venues. In 2007 it served as one of the venues for the 2nd Asian Indoor Games. Starting in August 2019 the Campo dos Operários became one of Macau’s 17 typhoon shelters. It serves as a Level 1 typhoon shelter when typhoon signal number eight or higher is hoisted.
From March 1 2021 to early 2023 a nucleic acid testing station operated next to the sports field. The fee for the test was 100 Macau Patacas. The testing station was removed on March 27 2023. On April 14 2023 the Campo dos Operários resumed using the location as an entrance and exit.
The original Campo dos Operários had two football fields and two basketball courts. The northwest end featured an activity center. Inside there was a tea room a table tennis room and a martial arts and fitness room. The field also hosted large events. These included the Macau Charity Million Walk the Lunar New Year Fair and the明爱慈善园游会.
Today’s Campo dos Operários features a standard artificial turf football field. It also has two indoor sports grounds an outdoor swimming pool and a multi-function room. Underground parking is also available. Since July 1 2019 the Transport Bureau manages the parking at the Campo dos Operários. It was renamed 关闸综合体育馆停车场. The fees are now consistent with other public parking lots in Macau.