Are you a cricket fan who loves to watch the game live in action? Do you want to visit a historic and cultural landmark that has witnessed some of the most memorable and record-breaking matches in cricket history? If yes, then you should definitely plan a trip to Green Park Stadium, the oldest and most iconic cricket stadium in India.
Green Park Stadium is located in Kanpur, the largest city in Uttar Pradesh, and is one of the few cricket stadiums in the world that is named after a person. It is named after Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler, who was also known as Madam Green, the governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) from 1921 to 1926. The stadium was established in 1945 and has hosted more than 50 international matches, including the first ODI in India, the 500th test in India, and the fastest century in T20 by Rohit Sharma.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Green Park Stadium, such as its history and significance, its infrastructure and facilities, and how to reach and visit it. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your visit, and what other attractions you can explore in Kanpur. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at Green Park Stadium.
History and Significance of Green Park Stadium
Green Park Stadium has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the pre-independence era. It was originally a club ground for the European community in Kanpur, and was used for hosting various sporting events, such as hockey, football, and tennis. The first cricket match played at the stadium was between Uttar Pradesh and the United Provinces Governor's XI in 1945.
The stadium got its name from Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler, who was fondly called Madam Green by the locals, because of his green-coloured car and his love for gardening. He was instrumental in developing the stadium and promoting sports in the region. He also donated a large sum of money for the construction of the pavilion, which still bears his name.
The stadium has witnessed some of the most glorious and thrilling moments in cricket history, such as:
- The first ODI in India, between India and England, in 1981.
- The 500th test in India, between India and New Zealand, in 2016.
- The fastest century in T20, by Rohit Sharma, against Sri Lanka, in 2017.
- The highest individual score in Test, by Gavaskar, against West Indies, in 1979.
- The highest partnership in Test, by Dravid and Laxman, against New Zealand, in 1999.
Green Park Stadium is not only a cricket stadium, but also a cultural and social hub for the people of Kanpur. It hosts various events and festivals, such as Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is also a place where many celebrities and dignitaries have visited, such as Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Narendra Modi, and Yogi Adityanath.
Infrastructure and Facilities of Green Park Stadium
Green Park Stadium is one of the most modern and well-equipped cricket stadiums in India, with state-of-the-art features and amenities. It has a seating capacity of 32,000, and is equipped with floodlights, electronic scoreboard, digital screen, and high-definition cameras. It also has a world-class pitch, which is known for its bounce and pace, and is considered a batting paradise for the cricketers.
The stadium is managed by the Uttar Pradesh Sports Authority, which is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the stadium and its facilities. The authority has recently announced some new developments for the stadium, such as:
- A visitors gallery, which will showcase the history and achievements of the stadium and its players, and will also have a souvenir shop and a cafeteria.
- A pavilion, which will have a lounge, a conference hall, a media centre, and a dressing room for the players and officials.
- A cricket museum, which will display the memorabilia and artifacts related to the stadium and the game, such as bats, balls, jerseys, trophies, and photographs.
Apart from the cricket facilities, the stadium also has other sport facilities, such as:
- A gym, which has a variety of equipment and machines for fitness and training, and is open for the public as well as the players.
- A badminton court, which has a wooden floor and a net, and is suitable for playing singles or doubles.
- A table tennis court, which has a table, a net, and paddles, and is ideal for playing casually or competitively.
How to Reach and Visit Green Park Stadium
Green Park Stadium is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as train, bus, and cab. It is located in the heart of the city, and is close to various transport hubs, such as:
- The airport, which is about 15 km away, and takes about 30 minutes by cab.
- The railway station, which is about 4 km away, and takes about 15 minutes by cab or bus.
- The bus station, which is about 3 km away, and takes about 10 minutes by cab or bus.
The stadium is open for visitors from 10 am to 5 pm, every day except Mondays. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person, and the booking can be done online or at the gate. The visitors can also book a guided tour of the stadium, which costs Rs. 100 per person, and includes a visit to the pitch, the pavilion, the gallery, and the museum.
The best time to visit the stadium is during the cricket season, which is from October to March, when the stadium hosts various domestic and international matches. The visitors can enjoy the live action and the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium, and also interact with the players and the fans. The visitors can also visit the stadium during the off-season, when the stadium is less crowded and more peaceful, and also offers a scenic view of the greenery and the river.
Conclusion
Green Park Stadium is a must-visit destination for any cricket lover, as well as anyone who appreciates history and culture. It is a place where you can witness the past, present, and future of cricket, and also enjoy the beauty and charm of Kanpur. It is a place where you can have a memorable and enriching experience, and also learn and discover something new.
If you are planning to visit Green Park Stadium, you should also check out some of the other attractions in Kanpur, such as:
- The Kanpur Zoo, which is one of the largest and oldest zoos in India, and has a variety of animals and birds, such as tigers, lions, bears, and peacocks.
- The Moti Jheel, which is a beautiful lake and park, and is a popular spot for boating, picnicking, and relaxing.
- The Allen Forest, which is a natural forest and wildlife sanctuary, and is home to many species of flora and fauna, such as deer, monkeys, and snakes.
- The Kanpur Memorial Church, which is a Gothic-style church and a historical monument, and is dedicated to the British soldiers who died in the 1857 revolt.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Green Park Stadium today, and experience the magic and thrill of cricket, and the culture and heritage of Kanpur. And don't forget to share your feedback and photos with us on Tripoto, the largest travel community in India. We would love to hear from you and see your amazing stories. Happy travelling!
