Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be in one of the largest stadiums in the world? To witness the passion and excitement of thousands of fans cheering for their favorite teams? To experience the thrill and drama of some of the most iconic matches in football history? If you are a football lover, then you must visit the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
The Salt Lake Stadium, also known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), is a multi-purpose stadium that mainly hosts football matches. It is located in the Salt Lake City area of Kolkata, near the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. It has a seating capacity of 85,000, making it the second-largest stadium in India and the 10th-largest stadium in the world.
In this article, we will explore the history, features, events, and significance of the Salt Lake Stadium for Kolkata and Indian football. We will also provide you with some tips and resources to plan your visit to this amazing venue. Whether you are a local or a traveler, a fan or a curious observer, you will find something interesting and inspiring about this stadium.
History
The Salt Lake Stadium was built in 1984 by the Government of West Bengal to promote sports and culture in the state. It was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister Jyoti Basu on January 29, 1984. The stadium was originally named after Swami Vivekananda, a famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader who was born in Kolkata.
The stadium has witnessed some of the most glorious and memorable moments in Indian football history. It has hosted several international tournaments, such as the 1989 Nehru Cup, the 1997 Federation Cup, the 2011 SAFF Championship, and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. It has also hosted some of the biggest domestic matches, such as the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, the Indian Super League final between ATK and Chennaiyin FC, and the I-League final between Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC.
Some of the legendary players and teams that have played at the Salt Lake Stadium include Diego Maradona, Oliver Kahn, Lionel Messi, Sunil Chhetri, Baichung Bhutia, Pele’s New York Cosmos, Argentina national team, Germany national team, Brazil U-17 team, and Spain U-17 team.
Here are some of the quotes from these players and teams about their experience at the Salt Lake Stadium:
“I have never seen anything like this in my life. To have 100,000 people cheering for me was incredible.” - Diego Maradona
“It was an emotional moment for me to play my farewell match in front of such a huge crowd. I will never forget this day.” - Oliver Kahn
“It was a dream come true for me to play at this stadium. The atmosphere was fantastic and the fans were very supportive.” - Lionel Messi
“This is my home ground. This is where I started my career and this is where I want to end it. This is where I feel most comfortable and confident.” - Sunil Chhetri
“This is the Mecca of Indian football. This is where every player wants to play and every fan wants to watch. This is where football lives.” - Baichung Bhutia
Features
The Salt Lake Stadium is not only a place for football matches but also a marvel of engineering and architecture. It covers an area of 76.4 acres and has a circular shape with three tiers of galleries. It has a synthetic turf and a natural grass pitch that can be switched according to the requirements of different events.
The stadium has various facilities and amenities for the spectators, players, media, and staff. It has a parking space for 10,000 vehicles, food stalls for different cuisines, restrooms for men and women, medical services for emergencies, security arrangements for safety, dressing rooms for teams and officials, press boxes for journalists and commentators, and floodlights for night matches.
The stadium also has some unique features that make it stand out from other stadiums in India or abroad. It has a giant LED screen that displays live scores and replays. It has a helipad that allows VIPs and celebrities to arrive or depart by helicopter. It has a museum that showcases the history and achievements of Indian football. It has a souvenir shop that sells merchandise and memorabilia related to the stadium and its events.
The stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to keep up with the changing needs and standards of modern sports. The most recent renovation was done in 2011 before hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. The renovation cost Rs 350 crore and involved replacing the old seats with new ones, installing new sound and lighting systems, improving the drainage and irrigation systems, and enhancing the security and surveillance systems.
The stadium has also received several awards and recognition for its excellence and innovation. It has been certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as a Class 1 facility. It has been rated by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) as a four-star venue. It has been ranked by the Stadium Database as one of the top 10 stadiums in the world.
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Events
The Salt Lake Stadium is always buzzing with activity and excitement. It hosts various events throughout the year, ranging from football matches to cultural programs to political rallies. Some of the upcoming events that are scheduled to take place at the stadium in 2023 or beyond are:
AFC Asian Cup qualifiers:
The stadium will host some of the matches of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, which will determine the 24 teams that will participate in the 2024 AFC Asian Cup in China. The matches will be held in March and June 2023.
I-League matches:
The stadium will host some of the matches of the I-League, which is the top division of Indian football. The matches will be held from November 2022 to May 2023.
Indian Super League matches:
The stadium will host some of the matches of the Indian Super League, which is a professional football league that features some of the best players and teams from India and abroad. The matches will be held from October 2022 to March 2023.
If you are interested in watching any of these events, you can book your tickets online through various platforms. You can also find more information about these events on the official websites or social media pages of the organizers, such as AIFF, I-League, or ISL.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Salt Lake Stadium depends on your preferences and interests. If you are a football fan, you may want to visit the stadium when there are matches or tournaments taking place.
If you are a traveler or a curious observer, you may want to visit the stadium when it is less crowded and more peaceful. You can explore the stadium and its surroundings at your own pace and enjoy the architecture, facilities, museum, and souvenir shop. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions, such as Parshwanath Jain Temple, Marble Palace, South Park Street Cemetery, Victoria Memorial Hall, Indian Museum, and Howrah Bridge.
The stadium is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days of the week. The entry fee is Rs 10 per person5. You can reach the stadium by car, bus, taxi, or metro. The nearest metro station is Karunamoyee.
Best Places To Stay Nearby
There are many good hotels near Salt Lake Stadium that offer comfortable and convenient accommodation for travelers. Some of the popular hotels are:
The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata: This is a five-star hotel, located 1.9 km from the stadium and offers spacious and elegant rooms, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and six dining options. The hotel also has a museum that showcases its heritage and history.
ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection Hotel: This is another five-star hotel, located 0.3 km from the stadium and features modern and luxurious rooms, a spa, a gym, an outdoor pool, and seven dining options. The hotel also has a beautiful garden that reflects the art and culture of Bengal.
Radharani Apartment: This is a budget-friendly option, located 0.6 km from the stadium and provides cozy and clean rooms, a shared lounge, a terrace, and free Wifi. The apartment also has a friendly and helpful staff that can assist you with your travel needs.
The Salt Lake Stadium is more than just a stadium. It is a symbol of pride and passion for Kolkata and Indian football. It is a place where dreams are made and legends are born. It is a place where you can witness the best of football and experience the best of Kolkata.
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If you are planning to visit Kolkata, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Salt Lake Stadium. You will not regret it. You will love it.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Salt Lake Stadium.
