The [Narendra Modi Stadium] in Ahmedabad is the world’s largest cricket stadium, with a jaw-dropping capacity of 132,000 spectators. Rebuilt in 2020, it has quickly become a global landmark, hosting high-profile matches like the ICC World Cup 2023 final, IPL games, and even non-cricket events. With cutting-edge facilities, including luxury suites, LED floodlights, and wheelchair-friendly access, it offers an unmatched experience for fans and players alike.
Located in Motera, Gujarat, the stadium is easily accessible by metro, road, and air. It features a balanced pitch that favors batsmen early on but assists spinners as the game progresses. Beyond cricket, the venue hosts concerts, exhibitions, and corporate events, making it a versatile entertainment hub. Whether you’re planning to attend a match or just curious about its grandeur, this stadium is a must-visit.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from ticket booking tips and pitch behavior to nearby attractions and fan experiences. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast, event organizer, or tourist, this article ensures you get the most out of your visit.
Key Highlights
- World’s largest cricket stadium (132,000 capacity).
- Prime venue for IPL, international matches, and concerts.
- Easy access via metro, road, and air.
- Batting-friendly pitch with spin assistance later.
- Luxury boxes, food courts, and wheelchair access.
Ready to explore this iconic stadium? Dive into the full guide for all the details!
Narendra Modi Stadium: The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Largest Cricket Venue
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, is not just a cricket ground it’s a global landmark in sports infrastructure. With a record-breaking capacity of 132,000 spectators, it surpasses Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the largest cricket stadium in the world.
Since its redevelopment and inauguration in 2020, the stadium has hosted historic matches, including India vs England Day-Night Tests, IPL finals, and ICC World Cup 2023 fixtures. Beyond cricket, it serves as a premier venue for concerts, corporate events and cultural gatherings, making it a hub of entertainment in Gujarat.
From ticket booking tips to nearby attractions, this guide covers everything you need to know. Discover the best seating sections, upcoming matches, and insider tricks to make the most of your visit.
5 Key Reasons Why Narendra Modi Stadium Stands Out
- World’s largest cricket stadium (132,000 capacity).
- Hosts IPL, international matches, and global ICC events.
- State-of-the-art facilities (luxury boxes, LED floodlights, wheelchair access).
- Prime location with excellent metro, road, and air connectivity.
- Multipurpose venue for concerts, exhibitions, and corporate functions.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the details!
History & Significance of Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 132,000. Originally built in 1982 as the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, it underwent a transformative renovation between 2017 and 2020, emerging as a modern sporting marvel before being renamed in 2021 in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With a legacy of iconic cricketing moments including Gavaskar’s 10,000th Test run and Kapil Dev’s record-breaking wicket the stadium has hosted multiple Cricket World Cups and the historic pink-ball Test.
Designed by the Australian firm Populous and constructed by Larsen & Toubro, the stadium spans 63 acres and is equipped with world-class facilities such as advanced lighting, corporate boxes, multiple practice fields, and an indoor cricket academy. It also gained global attention with the Namaste Trump event in 2020. Today, it represents India’s vision for sports excellence and infrastructure.
Key Highlights:
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World’s Largest Cricket Stadium with 132,000 seating capacity
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Historic Matches: Gavaskar’s 10,000th run, Kapil Dev’s record wicket, pink-ball Test
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International Venue: Hosted World Cups (1987, 1996, 2011, 2023 Final)
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Architectural Marvel: Designed by Populous, built by L&T, covering 63 acres
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Advanced Features: LED lighting system, shadow-free field, 76 corporate boxes
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Athlete Support: Indoor cricket academy with dorms, six indoor and three outdoor pitches
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🇮🇳 Cultural Symbolism: Renamed for PM Modi; hosted Namaste Trump event
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National Pride: Represents India’s ambition in global sports infrastructure
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Superior Acoustics: Enhanced spectator and player experience
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Modern Facilities: Four team dressing rooms, four main entrances, 180×150-yard field dimensions
From Sardar Patel Stadium to a Global Icon
Originally built in 1982 as the Sardar Patel Stadium, the venue had a modest capacity of 49,000. In 2015, the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) decided to demolish and rebuild the stadium to meet international standards.
After five years of construction, the new Narendra Modi Stadium was inaugurated in February 2020 by President Ram Nath Kovind. The stadium was renamed in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing his contributions to Gujarat’s development and sports infrastructure.
Historic Matches & Events
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2021: Hosted the India vs England Day-Night Test (first int’l match post-renovation).
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2022: Gujarat Titans (GT) made it their home ground in IPL.
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2023: Hosted the ICC World Cup final (Australia vs India).
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2024: Venue for PM Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” rally (non-cricket event).
Did You Know?
The stadium’s construction cost exceeded ₹800 crores, making it one of the most expensive cricket venues in the world.
Location & How to Reach the Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium is situated in Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, near the scenic Sabarmati River. Its full address is Stadium Road, Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380005.
Thanks to its prime location and excellent connectivity, the stadium is easily accessible by air road and public transport, making it convenient for both local residents and outstation visitors. With ample parking and modern infrastructure, reaching the stadium is straightforward and hassle-free.
How to Reach Narendra Modi Stadium:
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By Air:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is just 10.4 km away. -
By Road:
Reach via Motera Stadium Road; parking space available for 4,000+ cars and 10,000 two-wheelers. -
By Public Transport:
Local AMTS buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are easily available. -
By Driving (Self-Car):
GPS apps like Google Maps and Waze offer accurate navigation to the stadium gates. -
Pro Tip:
Arrive early on match days to avoid heavy traffic and ensure better parking options.
Exact Address
Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat – 380005
Transportation Options (With Travel Time)
Mode | Route Details | Time from City Center |
---|---|---|
By Air | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport (16 km) → Cab/Metro | 30 mins |
By Train | Ahmedabad Junction (10 km) → Auto/Cab | 20 mins |
By Metro | Motera Metro Station (500 m walk) | 5 mins |
By Road | NH 48 connects directly | 15-25 mins |
Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Travel:
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Match Days: Use Ahmedabad Metro (Red Line) to avoid traffic.
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Parking: Available for ₹200-500 (pre-book online).
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Shuttle Buses: Free rides from Sabarmati Metro Station.
Stadium Layout & Seating Plan
The Narendra Modi Stadium, spanning 63 acres, is the largest cricket stadium in the world with a seating capacity of 132,000. Its circular, two-tier design ensures an uninterrupted 360° view from every seat. The stadium is intelligently divided into four zones North, South, East, and West for smooth navigation.
With 76 corporate boxes, four team dressing rooms, and multiple practice pitches, it provides world-class amenities. Thoughtfully designed bowl-shaped seating, giant LED screens, shadow-free lighting, and a 360° podium concourse elevate the fan experience.
The East Zone houses general stands and food courts, the South offers premium seating, and the West features media facilities. The venue also boasts a large parking area and excellent accessibility, making it an architectural and functional masterpiece for cricket fans.
Stadium Zone Layout
Zone | Location | Main Feature |
---|---|---|
North Zone | Northern side | Main entrance and parking |
South Zone | Southern side | Premium seating and pavilions |
East Zone | Eastern side | General stands and food courts |
West Zone | Western side | Media center and commentary boxes |
Key Features and Facilities
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Seating Capacity | 132,000 (world’s largest) |
Structure | Two-tier circular layout with 360° unobstructed views |
Dressing Rooms | 4 team dressing rooms |
Corporate Boxes | 76 boxes (25 seats each), mostly in South Zone |
Practice Facilities | 11 pitches with varied soil types; indoor and outdoor nets |
LED Screens & Lighting | 2 large LED screens; roof-embedded LED floodlights |
Podium Concourse | 360° movement around the stadium without losing view |
Food & Hospitality | Located near East Zone and premium seating areas |
Parking | 3,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers |
Entry/Exit | Multiple gates to reduce congestion |
Capacity Breakdown
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Total Seats: 132,000 (Largest in the world).
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Corporate Boxes: 100+ (AC, premium catering).
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Wheelchair Accessible: 500+ reserved seats.
Best Seating Sections
Stand | View Quality | Price Range (IPL) |
---|---|---|
Adani Pavilion (East Stand) | Best for pitch view | ₹3,000 – ₹15,000 |
GMDC End (West Stand) | Good for boundary shots | ₹1,500 – ₹7,000 |
North/South General Stands | Budget-friendly | ₹500 – ₹2,500 |
Insider Tip:
Book Lower Tier (Rows 10-20) for the best balance of view and affordability.
Pitch Report & Match Conditions
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is widely regarded as a batting paradise, especially evident during the IPL 2025 season. Here are the key points about the pitch and match conditions:
Pitch Characteristics
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The surface is flat and hard, offering consistent bounce and carry, which favors stroke play throughout the innings.
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It is a mixed-soil pitch, composed of approximately 75% red soil and 25% black soil, providing good bounce and pace.
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Early in the match, the pitch may offer some assistance to fast bowlers due to a consistent grass cover and slight moisture, but the intense heat quickly dries the surface, making batting easier as the game progresses.
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The ball comes on nicely to the bat, encouraging aggressive batting and high scoring.
Match Conditions and Statistics
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The stadium has witnessed high-scoring games, with many innings crossing the 200-run mark. The average first innings score in IPL 2025 here is around 219 runs, while the average chase is about 187 runs.
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Teams batting first have a significant advantage, winning 6 out of 8 matches this season, indicating the pitch favors setting a target rather than chasing.
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The average run rate is very high, around 10.23 runs per over, emphasizing the batting-friendly nature.
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Boundary sizes vary with square boundaries around 61-67 meters and straight boundaries up to 73 meters, which still allow aggressive batsmen to score freely.
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Fast bowlers have taken about 66.67% of wickets, often exploiting early seam movement, while spinners account for the remaining wickets, especially as the pitch wears.
Tactical Implications
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Winning the toss often leads to batting first to capitalize on the pitch conditions.
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Bowlers need to bowl a tight length and vary their deliveries to succeed.
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High scores (220+) are generally required to feel safe on this ground.
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is a batter-friendly surface with good pace and bounce, encouraging high-scoring matches, while early seam movement offers some advantage to fast bowlers. The conditions favor teams setting a target rather than chasing, making the toss a crucial factor in match strategy.
Pitch Behavior by Format
Format | Nature | Avg. Score | Key Traits |
---|---|---|---|
Test | Slow, favors spinners on Day 4-5 | 350+ | Ravichandran Ashwin’s favorite ground |
ODI | Balanced (good for batsmen & spinners) | 280-320 | High-scoring thrillers |
T20 | Flat, batsmen-friendly | 160-190 | IPL sixes galore |
Weather Impact
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Summer (Mar-Jun): Hot (40°C+), day matches preferred.
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Monsoon (Jul-Sep): Rain interruptions possible.
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Winter (Nov-Feb): Ideal for cricket (25-30°C).
Record Alert:
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Highest ODI Total: 365/2 (SA vs India, 2023).
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Best Bowling: 7/19 (Ajantha Mendis, 2011 – old stadium).
Upcoming Matches in 2025 (IPL, International Fixtures)
Confirmed IPL 2025 Matches
Date | Match | Time (IST) | Key Players |
---|---|---|---|
March 25 | GT vs Punjab Kings | 7:30 PM | Shubman Gill, Kagiso Rabada |
March 29 | GT vs Mumbai Indians | 7:30 PM | Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah |
April 9 | GT vs Rajasthan Royals | 7:30 PM | Sanju Samson, Rashid Khan |
Possible International Fixtures
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India vs Australia (Test – Nov 2025)
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ICC Champions Trophy (Oct 2025 – if hosted in India)
Ticket Alert:
Early bookings open 3 months prior on BookMyShow.
How to Book Tickets (Step-by-Step Guide)
Online Booking Process
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Visit BookMyShow/PayTM Insider.
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Search for “Narendra Modi Stadium”.
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Select match date & seating category.
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Pay via UPI/Card/NetBanking.
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Receive e-ticket on email/SMS.
Ticket Prices (IPL 2025 Estimates)
Category | Price Range (INR) | Perks |
---|---|---|
General Stand | ₹500 – ₹2,000 | Basic seating |
Premium Lounge | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 | AC, food included |
Corporate Box | ₹25,000 – ₹75,000 | Private balcony, VIP access |
Pro Tip:
Use Gujarat Titans’ official website for member discounts.
Nearby Attractions (Pre/Post-Match Visits)
Top 5 Places to Explore
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Sabarmati Ashram (5 km) – Gandhi’s historic residence.
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Kankaria Lake (12 km) – Fun rides & nightlife.
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Adalaj Stepwell (18 km) – Ancient architecture.
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Science City (10 km) – Interactive exhibits.
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Law Garden Night Market (8 km) – Gujarati street food.
Where to Eat?
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Manek Chowk (Famous for late-night sandwiches).
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Agashiye (Rooftop traditional thali).
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Patang Revolving Restaurant (Panoramic city views).
Stadium Facilities & Fan Experience
Amenities Available
- Free Wi-Fi (in premium stands).
- Food Courts (Starbucks, Subway, local Gujarati options).
- Merchandise Shops (GT jerseys, souvenirs).
- First-Aid & Security (CCTV surveillance).
Dos & Don’ts for Visitors
- Do: Carry ID proof, book parking online.
- Don’t: Bring outside food/alcohol.
FAQs
1. Can I take a stadium tour?
Yes! Guided tours (₹200-500) are available on non-match days.
2. What’s the best time to visit?
November-February (pleasant weather for matches).
3. How early should I arrive before a match?
At least 2 hours to clear security checks.
4. Is photography allowed?
Yes, but no professional cameras without permission.
5. Which hotels are nearby?
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Hyatt Regency (1 km).
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Novotel (3 km).
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Budget: Hotel Volga (2 km).
Final Verdict
The Narendra Modi Stadium isn’t just about cricket it’s a symbol of India’s sporting ambition. From world-class infrastructure to unforgettable matchday atmospheres this stadium delivers an unparalleled experience.
Plan your visit today and witness history in the making at the world’s largest cricket stadium!