Ahead of the much-anticipated ICC World Cup 2023, the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata has undergone a stunning transformation. Fondly referred to as the ‘Mecca of Indian cricket,’ this renowned venue is set to host five World Cup matches, including an electrifying clash between India and South Africa, as well as a pivotal semifinal. The ICC World Cup is slated to kick off on October 5, with an opening match featuring England and New Zealand.
Like all the other venues of ICC World Cup 2023, the stadium, which is situated in the heart of the city, too got a makeover ahead of the marquee event. The refurbishment includes a fresh coat of paint for the concrete structure and seats, along with a lavish redesign of the press box and hospitality suites.
The ICC World Cup is slated to kick off on October 5, with an opening match featuring England and New Zealand. For the much-anticipated tournament, specialised zones have been designated for television commentary panels in both English and Hindi, as well as a dedicated area for All India Radio. The media center and press box have been overhauled to accommodate up to 150 individuals.
During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Eden Gardens will host four league-stage matches and a thrilling Semi-Final encounter, featuring the following fixtures:
- Saturday, October 28: Bangladesh vs Netherlands
- Tuesday, October 31: Bangladesh vs Pakistan
- Sunday, November 5: India vs South Africa
- Saturday, November 11: England vs Pakistan
- Thursday, November 16: Second Semi-Final
Eden Garden stadium location
Eden Gardens is situated in the Maidan area, under the jurisdiction of the Indian Army, which necessitates a lease extension every 15 years, limiting structural alterations. While solar panels may not be an option, the stadium is committed to environmental sustainability by implementing effective waste management practices, segregating dry and wet waste during tournaments.
Eden Garden stadium capacity
Capacity-wise, the stadium can accommodate 65,500 spectators, with 63,252 seats designated for fans, while the remainder is housed within the hospitality boxes. Moreover, there are 32 corporate hospitality boxes at the stadium, with 16 reserved for the state association and the rest for BCCI and ICC. Each corporate box can host 25 people and features three dining areas and four restrooms. Some of these boxes have been secured through 10-year contracts with the CAB by corporate groups. Additionally, there are six 16-seater boxes in the clubhouse for guests and dignitaries, each equipped with two dining areas and two restrooms.
Eden Garden stadium pitches
Concerning pitches, four out of the nine wickets made of black cotton soil will be in use for the World Cup. Despite the possibility of dew in October and November, the CAB curator, Sujan Mukherjee, is confident in delivering a sporting wicket during that period.
It may be noted that the teams will utilise the Jadavpur University ground in Salt Lake as a practice facility, affiliated with the BCCI and having hosted several domestic fixtures. In the event of rain, the Pankaj Gupta Indoor facility in Eden Gardens is available for training sessions.
Eden Garden stadium dressing rooms
Dressing rooms of the iconic stadium have been thoughtfully designed, with separate facilities for the home and away teams, featuring saunas, steam rooms, lavatories, and shower areas. Additionally, a player and coach lounge is situated on the ground floor, and a state-of-the-art gym is accessible at the Pankaj Gupta Indoor facility.
Eden Garden stadium entry gates
The venue boasts a total of 17 gates and 84 turnstiles for entry. Gate No. 1 exclusively caters to players and match officials, while the Club House gate is designated for spectators who have access to the hospitality boxes. The remaining gates are open for general admission to the venue. In an added spectacle, laser shows will illuminate the main gate, featuring images of Bengal’s cricket legends alongside live scoreboards.
Eden Garden stadium accessibility
The stadium has excellent public transportation connections. Transportation to Eden Gardens is hassle-free, with the Esplanade Metro station just a short distance away, and easy access by bus or ferry, with Chandpal Ghat (Babughat) nearby. For those arriving from Howrah, a 20-minute ferry ride is available, costing just Rs 10 with a general ticket. On match days, the metro service is expected to run until late hours, and traffic will be diverted for security reasons. Spectators arriving by bus may need to walk approximately one kilometer from the Esplanade to the stadium.