Kerala Blasters play their home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Ernakulam district of Kochi. The stadium is multipurpose but is mostly used for football. It has hosted games of both the Indian national football and cricket teams, and has hosted National Football League and I-League clubs FC Kochin and Chirag United Club Kerala.The stadium was also a venue for the Indian Premier League side Kochi Tuskers Kerala and was selected as a venue for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. As a part of the FIFA event, the stadium was renovated and new seats were fitted and its capacity was reduced to 50,000 and later to 41,000, taking into account security issues. The stadium received the Best Pitch of the Season Award from FSDL during the 2018-19 season of Indian Super League. In 2019, Greater Cochin Development Authority proposed the installation of solar panels in the stadium, which would make it the first such venue in Kerala and the third in the country to be powered by solar energy. The Kerala Blasters are known in the ISL for their fanatical supporters. Averaging over 55,000 fans a game, the Blasters had the highest average attendance in most of the seasons they have played and it fell to 37,500 in 2017 because safety regulations reduced the stadium's capacity to 41,000 as a part of 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup where Kochi was a venue. According to former India international player Pappachen Pradeep, "In Kerala, the people support football tirelessly. It doesn't matter if the team wins or loses, they are always there in high numbers. I've played at places like Kolkata, where if the team loses two-three matches on the spin, the numbers in the stadium diminish. There is nothing like that in Kerala." However Kerala Blasters have seen reduction in the average attendance below 30,000 on two seasons. During 2018-19 season, the Blasters had an average attendance of 16,432 and it became 17,500 in 2019-20 season.According to Fox Asia, as of October 2020, the Blasters are the fifth most-popular Asian club on social media, becoming so in 2018 within the four years of its existence and were the youngest club among the list.
The Blasters are also known for having one of the most vocal and passionate supporters group known as Manjappada.Founded in 2014, they are one of the largest and most active supporters group in the country.The group has also won two awards for the 'Best Fan Club' at the Indian Sports Honours in...
Read moreThe Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, commonly known as Kaloor Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Kochi, Kerala, India. Here's a summary of its key features and information:
Name: Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium (also known as Kaloor International Stadium) Location: Kochi (formerly Cochin), Kerala, India Capacity: It's one of the largest stadiums in India, with a seating capacity of around 39,000 (though this can vary depending on the event and configuration). Owner: Government of Kerala Operator: Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) Key Features and Uses:
Multi-purpose: It is designed to host a variety of sports and events, including: Football (Soccer): Primarily used for football. It has hosted significant national and international football matches. Cricket: Has hosted some cricket matches, although football is the primary focus. Other Events: It can also host concerts, exhibitions, and large-scale public gatherings. Facilities: The stadium typically includes: Well-maintained pitch/field Seating for a large audience Floodlights for night events Modern facilities for players and spectators Media facilities Design: Distinctive aesthetic appeal and modern architectural style. History and Significance:
Establishment: Built in the mid-1990s. Notable Events: Hosted matches during the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, making it a prominent venue for international football. Regularly hosts Indian Super League (ISL) football matches. Kerala Blasters FC use it as their home ground. Hosted several international football friendlies. Has been considered as a potential venue for other major tournaments. Impact: It has played a significant role in promoting sports culture in Kerala, particularly football. It's a source of pride for football fans in the region and contributes to the city's image as a sports-loving destination. Important Points to Remember:
The capacity can be altered based on event requirements. The stadium is well-connected and accessible within Kochi. It's a landmark in Kochi and a symbol of the region's passion for sports. To get the most current and detailed information about events, construction updates, or specific facilities, you should refer to the official websites of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) or sports news outlets that cover...
Read moreA Sporting Hub in the Heart of the City Located in the heart of Kochi, Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium is a sporting landmark that has been witness to numerous memorable events over the years. This stadium, easily accessible by public transport such as buses and the JWL Stadium Metro Station, offers a vibrant and well-lit atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Having been a cricket fan since the early 2000s, I have fond memories of visiting this stadium to watch ODI matches featuring the Indian cricket team. However, in recent years, my attention has shifted to the home matches of our very own football club, Kerala Blasters. The stadium has become a hub for football enthusiasts, offering a lively and energetic atmosphere during these matches. One of the notable features of Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium is the ample parking available for visitors. This is a great convenience, especially considering the popularity of the stadium and the large crowds it attracts. The provision of sufficient parking ensures that visitors can easily access the stadium without the hassle of finding a place to park their vehicles. Adjacent to the stadium, there are several restaurants that offer a wide range of culinary options. This is a great advantage, as it allows visitors to enjoy a meal or grab a quick bite before or after the event. Whether you're craving local delicacies or international cuisine, these nearby eateries cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Additionally, the stadium link road connecting to the venue makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city. This convenient road connectivity further enhances the accessibility of the stadium, enabling fans and spectators to reach the venue without any hassle. Overall, Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi is a sporting haven that continues to attract sports enthusiasts from all walks of life. Whether it's cricket, football, or other sporting events, this stadium offers a vibrant and well-equipped setting. The accessibility through public transport, ample parking, nearby restaurants, and the stadium link road all contribute to making the overall experience enjoyable and convenient. As a regular visitor, I can confidently say that this stadium continues to be a cherished destination for sports...
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