Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium
Foto: Kamikaze116 at English Wikipedia · Public domain · zdroj
- Capacity
- 60,000
- Year opened
- —
- Club
- —
- Country
- India
- Sport
- Multi-purpose
Overview
About the stadium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, commonly known as Kaloor Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Kochi, Kerala, India. Opened in 1996, it now seats 60,000 spectators. It is used mainly for football, although its stands are built in a configuration that also serves cricket.
Location and surroundings
The stadium stands in the Kaloor district of Kochi, the largest city in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. The neighbourhood gave the venue its popular nickname, Kaloor Stadium. Set within a densely built-up part of the city, it is easily reached across the Kochi metropolitan area and ranks among the most important sporting venues in all of Kerala.
Main uses
Today the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is used chiefly for football. It is the home ground of Kerala Blasters FC, who play in the Indian Super League (ISL), as well as Forca Kochi FC. The stands were, however, built in a cricket-serving configuration, and between 1997 and 2014 the venue hosted a number of international cricket matches, of which 10 were One Day Internationals. Beyond sport, the stadium also hosts exhibitions, cinema events and political rallies.
History
Journey through time
The history of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi dates back to 1996, when it opened as one of the largest multi-purpose venues in India. Since then it has seen several adjustments to its capacity and an extensive renovation.
Construction and opening
The stadium was opened in 1996. It was originally built with an enormous capacity for 80,000 to 100,000 spectators, which was gradually reduced to comply with operational safety. The stands were built in a cricket-serving configuration, earning it the label of the "noisiest cricket stadium in the world." The structure features a unique lighting-towers system, the first of its kind in India, providing 2 kW floodlighting suitable for HD telecast.
Major renovations
The capacity was gradually reduced over the years for operational safety and now stands at 60,000. In 2014, the Kerala Cricket Association secured a 30-year lease on the venue from the Greater Cochin Development Authority. That same year, however, Kerala Blasters moved in, and football tenants became paramount. An extensive renovation took place ahead of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Notable moments
Between 1997 and 2014 the stadium hosted a number of international cricket matches, of which 10 were One Day Internationals. In 2017 it served as one of the six host venues for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in India; under FIFA security guidelines the capacity was temporarily limited further during that tournament.
Atmosphere
Matchday
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, nicknamed Kaloor Stadium, is one of the loudest sporting venues in the world. Its stands, built in a cricket-serving configuration, earned it the title of the "noisiest cricket stadium in the world," and the football fans of Kerala Blasters FC create a thunderous backdrop.
Fan culture
The home supporters of Kerala Blasters FC rank among the loudest in the entire Indian Super League (ISL). Their backing reaches such intensity that the Kochi stadium is counted among the loudest sporting venues in the world. The stand configuration designed for cricket further amplifies the acoustics, making the atmosphere at football matches exceptionally fierce.
Big matches
The most memorable moment for atmosphere is the 2016 ISL final between Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata. The home crowds recorded a noise of 128 decibels, the fifth loudest measured at a stadium in the world. Alongside football, the venue made its mark hosting international cricket and, in 2017, welcomed matches of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kaloor Stadium) lies in the Kaloor district of Kochi in the state of Kerala. Thanks to its location right in the city, it is easy to reach, and besides sporting fixtures it hosts exhibitions, cinema events and other cultural happenings.
How to get there
The stadium is located in the Kaloor district right in Kochi, the largest city in the state of Kerala. Given its position in a built-up part of the city, it is well served by local transport across the Kochi metropolitan area.
Tickets and tours
Tickets for the home matches of Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League are sold ahead of individual fixtures. Beyond football, the stadium also hosts exhibitions, cinema events and political rallies, so the venue's programme tends to be varied.
Visitor tips
- When to come: for Kerala Blasters matches, expect a very loud crowd — the stadium is among the noisiest in the world.
- What to expect: the stands are built in a cricket configuration, but here you will mainly watch ISL football.
- What to look forward to: the unique 2 kW lighting towers enable high-quality evening matches and HD broadcasts.
Map
Where to find the stadium
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Plan your visit
Kochi, India
Accommodation
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Stadium tour
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Match tickets
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