To all cricketing fans- If u considered Eden Gardens,Calcutta or Firoz Shah Kotla,Delhi or Sardar Patel Stadium,Ahmedabad as the best cricketing destinations in India u would like to reconsider! Look at this-This is Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium built in the outskirts of Pune.
A brief History:-
The MCA's decission to build a new cricket stadium in Pune stemmed from a dispute with the Pune Municipal Corporation, regarding ticket allocations for Nehru Stadium. This conflict came to a head when an international match between India and Srilanka was moved to Kolkata, with the MCA stating they were in no position to host the match. Following this, the MCA decided a new stadium was needed. Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium was inaugurated by ICC President and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on 1 April 2012.
Features:
Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, also known as MCA Pune International Cricket Centre is acricket stadium in Pune, India. When completed, it is intended to serve as the headquarters for the Maharashtra Cricket Association and the home stadium for the Maharashtra cricket teamand Indian Premier League team Pune Warriors. The state-of the art venue, when complete, will be one of the most advanced stadia in India.
With India having the largest cricket audience in the world and Indian influence in international cricket growing, the MCA decided a new stadium was needed. Hopkins Architects of London was commissioned to design a new 55,000 seat stadium in Pune near Mumbai, and the Pune International Cricket Centre was the result. Anglo-Indian Sports Turf Consultants ISTeC are providing a state-of-the-art outfield, constructed to international standards and incorporating the latest in turf technology.
The sloping site enjoys good views of the surrounding area. The stadium features a terrace surrounding the pitch, where spectators can sit. Four stands surround the terrace, accessed via a wide pedestrian concourse, with the gaps between the stands allowing light in and spectators to enjoy the surrounding views. Upper levels include further seating for spectators, a members' pavilion, hospitality boxes, and facilities for broadcasting and press. Parking is provided on surrounding land. Membrane roofs provide shade from the sun, and together with the elegant structure consisting of steel braces and concrete, contribute to the memorable appearance of the stadium.
Members' amenities focus on the adjacent Practice Ground, comprising restaurants, sports and spa facilities and a residential Indoor Cricket Academy.
Project Details:-
300 The original completion date was November 2010 at a cost of Rs 150 crore, covering and area of 35 acres (140,000 m2). [4] However, the stadium is now unlikely to be ready before 2012 or 2013. As a result, the stadium was not able to host ICC Cricket World Cup matches as originally intended.
The stadium is an astute addition to Hopkins Architects' already impressive portfolio: the prestigious practice also has notable work at London's Lord's and Hampshire County Cricket grounds, and the National Tennis Centre at Roehampton (completed February 2007), along with its recent London Velopark win.
The MPIC project will include:
- A main 15 wicket match ground
- Adjacent practice ground with nets, for practice and smaller matches
- Spectator seating for 55,000 grouped into 4 stands
- A Members' Pavilion and a media stand
- Additional facilities for 5,000 members including squash and badminton courts, a swimming pool, spa, restaurants and bars
- 80 corporate hospitality boxes
- A state-of-the-art indoor Cricket Academy with residential accommodation for youth training schemes
- Parking for almost 4,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers.
The site is conveniently located close to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, just outside the city of Pune, with dramatic views of the surrounding mountains..
