The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India is the world largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in India, where it is considered a religion by many fans. India has a rich history and tradition of cricket, and has produced some of the greatest players and teams in the game. India also boasts of having some of the best cricket stadiums in the world, where millions of spectators flock to watch their favorite teams and players in action.
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World Largest Cricket Stadium
One of the most iconic and impressive cricket stadiums in India, and in the world, is the Narendra Modi Stadium, also known as Motera Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This stadium is the world largest cricket stadium, with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators. It is also one of the most modern and advanced cricket stadiums, with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for players, officials, media, and fans.
History of Narendra Modi Stadium
- The Narendra Modi Stadium stands on the same plot where the Sardar Patel Stadium was present from 1982 to 2015, until its demolition, and renovation in 2006. The Sardar Patel Stadium was named after the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, Vallabhbhai Patel, who was also known as the Iron Man of India.
- The stadium hosted many memorable cricket matches, including the first ever Test match played by India on home soil in 1983, against West Indies, and the 2011 Cricket World Cup quarter-final between India and Australia, where India won by five wickets and went on to win the tournament.
- The Sardar Patel Stadium was demolished in 2015, and a new stadium was constructed on the same site, with a vision to make it the largest and the best cricket stadium in the world. The new stadium was designed by the Australian firm Populous, which also designed the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the second largest cricket stadium in the world.
- The construction of the new stadium was completed in 2020, at a cost of ₹800 crore (US$100 million). The new stadium was inaugurated by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on 24 February 2020. The stadium was renamed as Narendra Modi Stadium, after the Prime Minister, who is also the former Chief Minister of Gujarat and a patron of the Gujarat Cricket Association.
Features of Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium (Motera Stadium) is a marvel of engineering and architecture, with many unique and innovative features that make it a world-class cricket venue. Some of the features of the stadium are:
- Narendra Modi Stadium Capacity:The stadium has a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators, making it the largest cricket stadium in the world, and the second largest stadium overall, after the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea, which has a capacity of 150,000. The stadium can accommodate more than double the number of spectators than the previous Sardar Patel Stadium, which had a capacity of 54,000.
- Diameter of Narendra Modi Stadium: The stadium has a circular shape, with a diameter of 160 metres (180 yd) x 140 metres (150 yd). The stadium has no pillars or columns, ensuring an unobstructed view of the field for every spectator. The stadium also has a roof that covers 70% of the seating area, providing shade and protection from rain and sun.
- The stadium has four dressing rooms, each with a gymnasium, a physiotherapy room, a dining area, and a lounge. The dressing rooms are connected by an underground tunnel, which allows the players to move from one end of the stadium to the other without crossing the field. The stadium also has a state-of-the-art media centre, with a capacity of 250 journalists, and a press conference room, with a capacity of 75 journalists.
- The stadium has 76 corporate boxes, which can accommodate up to 3,000 VIP guests. The stadium also has a clubhouse, which has 55 rooms, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a squash court, a badminton court, a billiards room, and a 3D theatre. The stadium also has a cricket academy, which has six indoor pitches, three outdoor pitches, and a dormitory for 40 trainees.
- The stadium has a sub-surface drainage system, which allows the water to drain out quickly in case of rain, and prevents the outfield from getting soggy.
- The stadium also has a LED floodlight system, which provides uniform lighting across the field, and reduces shadows and glare. The stadium also has a high-tech pitch monitoring system, which monitors the moisture, temperature, and grass length of the pitch, and helps in preparing the best possible surface for the game.
Events at Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium has hosted many cricket matches and events, both domestic and international, since its inauguration in 2020. Some of the notable events that have taken place at the stadium are:
- The stadium hosted its first international match on 24 February 2020, a Test match between India and England, as part of the ICC World Test Championship. India won the match by 10 wickets, and also clinched the series 3-1. The match was also notable for being the first day-night Test match played at the stadium, and the second in India, after the one at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in 2019.
- The stadium hosted the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) final, between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, on 29 May 2022. The match was attended by 101,566 spectators, setting a new record for the highest attendance for a cricket match in India, and the second highest in the world, after the 1992 Cricket World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which had 87,182 spectators. Gujarat Titans won the match by six wickets, and lifted their maiden IPL trophy.
- The stadium is hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, between India and Australia, on 19th November 2023. The match is expected to be a blockbuster clash, as both teams are among the favorites to win the tournament, and have a fierce rivalry in cricket. The match is also expected to break the record for the highest attendance for a cricket match in the world, surpassing the 1992 Cricket World Cup final.
Conclusion
The Narendra Modi Stadium (Motera Stadium) is a symbol of India’s passion and excellence in cricket, and a testament to the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The stadium is a pride of Gujarat, and a jewel of India, and has earned the admiration and respect of the cricketing world. The stadium is not just a venue for cricket matches, but also a destination for sports and cultural events, and a hub for tourism and development. The stadium is a dream come true for every cricket fan, and a must-visit for every cricket lover.
Frequently Aksed Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is the Narendra Modi Stadium?
Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium is a cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, India. It is the largest cricket stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators. The stadium was built in 2020 and is home to the Gujarat Cricket Association.
Q.2 Where is the Narendra Modi Stadium located?
Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium is located in Motera, Ahmedabad, India. It is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River.
Q.3 When was the Narendra Modi Stadium built?
Ans: The construction of the Narendra Modi Stadium began in 2016 and was completed in 2020. It took four years to complete the stadium.
Q.4 Who built the Narendra Modi Stadium?
Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium was designed by the Bimal Patel Architects. The stadium was constructed by the Larsen & Toubro and Shapoorji Pallonji Group.
Q.5 How much did the Narendra Modi Stadium cost to build?
Ans: The total cost of building the Narendra Modi Stadium was approximately ₹1,320 crore (US$168 million).
Q.6 What are the features of the Narendra Modi Stadium?
Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium has a number of features, including:
- A modern LED lighting system
- A large video screen
- A luxurious hospitality area
- A number of food and beverage outlets
- A cricket museum
Q.7 What are the dimensions of the Narendra Modi Stadium?
Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium has a length of 220 meters (722 feet) and a width of 140 meters (459 feet). The pitch is 22 yards (20 meters) long and 5.5 yards (5 meters) wide.
Q.8 What is the seating capacity of the Narendra Modi Stadium?
Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium has a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators. It is the largest cricket stadium in the world.
Q.9 What are the events that have been held at the Narendra Modi Stadium?
Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium has hosted a number of major cricket events, including:
- The Indian Premier League (IPL)
- The Indian Cricket Team
- The Women’s Cricket World Cup
Q.10 What are the future plans for the Narendra Modi Stadium?
Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to host the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The stadium is also being considered as a venue for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
