Designed to host a multitude of events, the National Stadium is the central and most prominent sports building in the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil.

The elliptical outdoor stadium has a total area of 76,000 sq. m. and its classic bowl shape is enhanced by its dramatic overlapping of three spectator tiers. Built to world class standards, its modern facilities are ideal for athletic meets and international football matches.

The stadium's main entrance and surrounding areas are adorned with panel motifs featuring designs of traditional art carvings and a giant Kris (Malay dagger) symbolic of Malay traditional courage and heroism.

The 80x105m field is girdled by a nine-lane 400m tartan track built to international standards and specifications. It also features a 9m-wide 400m synthetic track lane plus a 6m-wide 60m track specially designed for warming-up purposes.

The stadium's spectacular roof structure is made of a translucent polyurethane material that inhibits fungus growth and provides optimum shelter from the weather for 100,000 spectators. The three-tiered seating arrangement enhances viewing by reducing the distance between the spectators and events in the field. There are also 200 spaces for wheelchairs with convenient access from designated car parks.

When the stadium is not in use, the seating pattern combined with its variety of colours create a striking visual effect - the colourful waves of the Jalur Gemilang (the national flag) in dynamic motion.