Media365
Plans are underway to significantly upgrade the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with the Karnataka State Cricket Association initiating steps towards a long-term renovation aimed at enhancing capacity and overall fan experience.The move comes shortly after KSCA officials, led by president Venkatesh Prasad, met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to discuss an ambitious expansion plan. The proposal seeks to increase the stadium’s seating capacity, currently around 34,000, by an additional 20,000 seats.
Taking the first formal step, the KSCA has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI), inviting proposals for a comprehensive overhaul. The project will cover architectural and structural redesign, improved spectator facilities, better crowd movement systems, along with upgraded parking and traffic management solutions.While no fixed deadline has been outlined yet, Prasad acknowledged the scale and complexity of the project.“We haven’t set a timeline for completing the renovation because it’s a lengthy process,” Prasad told Deccan Herald. “We have to invite bids and hold multiple meetings to secure various approvals. It will take considerable time. But we are determined to transform the stadium, hopefully during my tenure.”Prasad also clarified that the idea has been in the works for years and is not a sudden initiative.“It’s not that I’ve come into office now and want to make changes immediately,” he emphasised. “I’ve been thinking about this for the last 10 years. Even when I was pursuing my MBA in International Sports Management, I kept coming back to one thing — the spectators. They are our biggest stakeholders, yet they have little say. The game is what it is because of them, and the least we can do is provide the best possible match experience at the stadium.”Highlighting the need for modernisation, he pointed out that the venue, originally built in the 1970s, must now evolve with the city’s rapid growth.“The stadium is, of course, quite old. With due respect to those who built it, it needs to evolve. It was constructed in the 1970s with perhaps a vision for the next 50 years. But Bengaluru has grown beyond anyone’s imagination, so everything must evolve accordingly.”He also referenced upgrades carried out at other iconic Indian venues such as Wankhede Stadium, Eden Gardens and M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, stressing that it is now time for Chinnaswamy to undergo a similar transformation.“So many facilities at the stadium look temporary and inadequate at the moment. Commentators’ boxes, spectator amenities… All that needs to change, and that’s the only constant,” he added.With Bengaluru continuing to grow as a major cricketing hub, the proposed revamp could mark a significant step towards aligning one of India’s most iconic venues with modern standards.
