Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Foto: Bhaumik J · CC BY 3.0 · zdroj
- Capacity
- 60,254
- Year opened
- 1983
- Club
- —
- Country
- India
- Sport
- Cricket
Overview
About the stadium
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is a multi-sports stadium in New Delhi, India, opened in 1982 with a capacity of 60,254 spectators. Primarily a venue for athletics and football, it is named after India's first Prime Minister and ranks among the country's largest sporting grounds.
Location and surroundings
The stadium sits in central Delhi and forms part of the Jawaharlal Nehru sports complex, which also houses the headquarters of the Sports Authority of India. It is an all-seater arena built to the international standards set by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and World Athletics. By seating capacity it is the fourth largest stadium in India, the 27th largest in Asia and the 103rd largest in the world.
Main uses
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is principally an athletics and football venue. It is used by the India national football team for international competition and by Indian athletics. From 2014 to 2019 it was the home ground of Indian Super League club Delhi Dynamos. Thanks to its oval shape it can also host cricket and other events, and accommodates up to 100,000 spectators for music concerts.
History
Journey through time
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was built as a flagship venue for the Indian government and has since undergone a major modernisation. Its history is closely tied to two large international multi-sport events that brought thousands of athletes to Delhi.
Construction and opening
The stadium was originally constructed by the Government of India in 1982 to host the athletic events and ceremonies of the 1982 Asian Games. From the outset it was conceived as a multi-purpose venue with a running track surrounding a central football pitch. In 1989 it staged the Asian Championships in Athletics.
Major renovations
The stadium's biggest transformation came ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, when it was substantially renovated and modernised. It hosted all the track and field events along with the opening and closing ceremonies. The redesign was carried out by the German architectural firms Gerkan, Marg and Partners and Schlaich Bergermann Partner. In 2010 the final cost was announced at ₹961 crore (about US$210 million), making it the most expensive stadium ever built in India and South Asia.
Notable moments
The stadium hosted several matches of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and was scheduled to be one of the venues for the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Beyond sport, it also stages major music concerts.
Atmosphere
Matchday
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is one of Delhi's landmark sporting venues, and its atmosphere is shaped by major international events and national-team fixtures. The oval bowl and a capacity of more than 60,000 seats create a setting for both sport and concerts.
Fan culture
The stadium is home to the India national football team, whose international matches regularly draw supporters from across the metropolitan area. From 2014 to 2019 it served as the home ground of Indian Super League club Delhi Dynamos, giving the venue a steady club following. Alongside football, it attracts athletics fans, as it is one of the principal venues for Indian track and field competition.
Big matches
Among its most significant occasions are the ceremonies and athletics of the 1982 Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, when the stadium hosted every track and field discipline. In 1989 it staged the Asian Championships in Athletics. From the football calendar, the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup stands out, with several of its matches played here. With a concert capacity of up to 100,000 spectators, it ranks among the largest cultural venues in the country.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium lies in central New Delhi as part of the sports complex of the same name, easily reached from across the city. A visit is best timed around national-team matches, athletics meetings or concerts.
How to get there
The stadium is located in central Delhi and is well connected to the city's public transport. The complex adjoins the headquarters of the Sports Authority of India, so it is clearly signposted. For an exact route, follow the current Delhi Metro and bus network maps.
Tickets and tours
Ticket prices and availability depend on the specific event — a national-team match, an athletics meeting or a concert. Pricing and the method of sale vary by organiser, so it is best to check in advance with the promoter of the event you plan to attend.
Visitor tips
- When to arrive: come early, as the complex is large and finding your way takes time.
- What to bring: expect Delhi's warm climate and bring water and a hat.
- What to enjoy: the oval design offers good sightlines from most of the 60,254 seats.
- Nearby: the stadium is part of the central Jawaharlal Nehru sports complex.
Map
Where to find the stadium
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New Delhi, India
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