[2] Designer Vann Molyvann made use of massive earthworks to create the stadium, digging up 500,000 cubic meters of earth to shape the grounds.

The stadium has played host to appearances by visiting dignitaries and state occasions, and has been the home of Cambodia's national athletics teams.

[2] The stadium played a small and integral part in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, when North Korea faced Australia in qualification as the remaining two Asia/Oceania zone teams.

[4] As North Korea lacked diplomatic relations with most countries and did not have a FIFA-standard venue at the time, and the Australian immigration laws in force meant the North Korean team would be unlikely to receive visas to enter the country, finding a suitable venue for the match proved difficult until Chief of State Norodom Sihanouk, an ally of Kim Il Sung, informed FIFA the matches could be held in Phnom Penh.

[8][9] The stadium has come to be a popular attraction for Phnom Penh residents, who attend daily exercise sessions, as well as football games and other activities.