Eden Gardens is the place to be for watching Indian cricket at its best! Widely considered the home of Indian cricket, it has seen many unforgettable matches over its long history.
However, England have also been embroiled in controversy. At a World Cup semifinal match between them and Argentina in 1996, their supporters became involved in a violent riot which resulted in its postponement and eventually cancellation.
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It is the largest cricket stadium in India
Eden Gardens is often considered the heart of Indian cricket, although other sporting events have also taken place here. Situated in Kolkata, West Bengal it can accommodate up to 68,000 spectators at once.
Built originally in 1864 and renovated extensively over time, most notably before the 2011 World Cup. Capacity has been reduced from 72,000 to 68,000 so that space may be created for new facilities for players and spectators, yet the stadium still remains India’s premier cricket stadium.
Eden Gardens has long been one of the premier cricket venues worldwide and an attractive tourist attraction.
The stadium is set amidst lush gardens, making it an ideal spot for daytime relaxation or outdoor events such as concerts.
Eden Gardens has hosted many historic matches, such as the first World Cup final held outside Lord’s. Additionally, this venue is famed for drawing large and passionate crowds.
India was able to achieve an astounding victory against Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001 thanks to VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid’s unbeaten 376-run stand that helped India overcome an initial 250-run deficit.
Eden Gardens is an attractive tourist attraction and open year-round. It features various stands for fans and media; tours are also offered to provide more insight into its grounds and history.
Facilities
- Eden Gardens has state-of-the-art facilities, including floodlights, a video scoreboard, and a 360-degree replay screen.
- The stadium has a seating capacity of over 66,000 and offers excellent views of the pitch from all parts of the ground.
- The stadium has several hospitality boxes, corporate lounges, and VIP areas for spectators to enjoy.
It is a historic ground
Eden Gardens is commonly recognized as the heart of Indian cricket and often described as its equivalent of Rome’s Colosseum. Additionally, it holds historical significance for Indian cricket as one of its first purpose-built grounds dedicated to this sport.
The stadium was established in 1864 and takes its name from a park nearby which dates back to 1841 and provides it with inspiration.
As it boasts a large capacity and has earned itself an impeccable reputation for producing high-quality matches, the venue makes for an ideal viewing experience. Over its history it has played host to some truly remarkable matches such as 1987 ODI World Cup final and 1996 India vs Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup semi-final matches.
Eden Gardens is not only an amazing venue to watch matches at, but is also an excellent location for watching pink ball cricket. Being located in eastern India means the sun rises and sets earlier compared to other parts of India which makes it ideal for this type of cricket viewing.
Eden Gardens offers more than just great cricket viewing; it also makes an ideal family day trip. Situated at the center of New Delhi, there are plenty of things to do after watching a match at Eden Gardens.
While visiting a stadium, it is essential to remember that there are various security measures in place in order to guarantee everyone’s safety during a match.
This stadium is one of the largest worldwide, boasting a capacity of 66,000. Over its history, this venue has hosted some of the greatest matches and become an iconic location in cricketing circles.
India’s second-largest stadium and an ideal venue for watching cricket matches, is known as the “Mecca of Indian cricket.” Built in 1864 and serving many international events since, this landmark venue should not be missed!
Also Read: Inside Look: MA Chidambaram Stadium in India
History
- Eden Gardens was established in 1864 and was originally used as a park by the British.
- The stadium was named after the Eden sisters, who were the daughters of the governor of Bengal.
- The first cricket match was played at Eden Gardens in 1865 between the Calcutta Cricket Club and the European Club.
- The stadium has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most recent one being completed in 2013 for the ICC World T20.
How to get there
- Address: Eden Garden Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021
- Eden Gardens is located in the heart of Kolkata and is easily accessible by public transport.
- The nearest metro station is Maidan, which is about 1.5 km from the stadium.
- Taxis and buses are also available for those who prefer to travel by road.
It is a great place to watch a match
Eden Gardens should be on every cricket fan’s itinerary. Situated in Kolkata, India and home to both Bengal Ranji and IPL teams as well as one day and test matches, it is an invaluable venue to visit.
The stadium is also a top tourist attraction, due to its prime location at the heart of the city. Nearby are Fort William, St Paul’s Cathedral, Victoria Memorial and Princep Ghat; each offer something different for visitors.
Another fantastic thing about Eden Gardens Stadium is that admission is absolutely free – meaning anyone from cricket enthusiasts to casual spectators alike can experience its atmosphere by attending matches here. Once the match ends, there are plenty of things to do nearby; even affordable hotel options can be found near it!
Visit the park that lies adjacent to the stadium for an amazing day out – perfect for people of all ages! There is plenty of greenery and flowers, providing the perfect setting in which to relax and appreciate nature’s splendour.
Eden Gardens is an aesthetically pleasing and meticulously maintained venue, and makes an ideal spot for viewing sporting matches and other events. Eden Gardens also plays host to various other activities and sports leagues throughout the year – so there’s always something happening there!
Memorable matches
- Eden Gardens has hosted several memorable matches over the years, including the 1987 World Cup final between Australia and England.
- The stadium is also known for hosting the famous 2001 Test match between India and Australia, where VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid put on a record-breaking partnership to help India win the match after following on.
- The ground has also hosted several IPL matches, with the Kolkata Knight Riders being the home team.
Also Read: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium: A Cricket Fan’s Dream Destination
Records and statistics
| First | Last | |
| Test | India v England – Jan 5-8, 1934 | India v Bangladesh – Nov 22-24, 2019 |
| ODI | India v Pakistan – Feb 18, 1987 | India v Sri Lanka – Jan 12, 2023 |
| T20I | India v England – Oct 29, 2011 | India v West Indies – Feb 20, 2022 |
FAQs
Q: Which teams play at Eden Gardens?
A: Eden Gardens is the home ground of the Kolkata Knight Riders, a team in the Indian Premier League. It has also hosted numerous international matches, with the Indian national cricket team being the most frequent visitor.
Q: What is the pitch like at Eden Gardens?
A: The pitch at Eden Gardens is known for being spin-friendly, with slow and low bounce. However, it can also be a good batting surface if the conditions are right.
Q: How can I get tickets for matches at Eden Gardens?
A: Tickets for matches at Eden Gardens can be purchased online through various ticketing websites. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as matches at Eden Gardens tend to sell out quickly.
Q: Is there any parking available at Eden Gardens?
A: Yes, there is limited parking available at Eden Gardens for spectators. However, it is recommended to use public transportation or private transportation services, as parking can be difficult to find.
Q: Are there any restrictions on items I can bring into Eden Gardens?
A: Yes, there are restrictions on items that can be brought into Eden Gardens. Some of the prohibited items include outside food and drinks, weapons, and cameras with detachable lenses.
Q: Is there food available at Eden Gardens?
A: Yes, there are various food and beverage options available at Eden Gardens, including traditional Indian snacks and refreshments.