The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala can hold 41,000 spectators at once.
The stadium was initially constructed as a cricket venue but quickly gained popularity for hosting football matches as well.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi is named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and is one of the largest stadiums in South India.
Table of Contents
Location and History
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi is located in the Kaloor area of Kochi, Kerala. It was inaugurated in 1996 and has since then hosted several national and international sporting events, including the 2015 National Games of India.
Address
Banerji Rd, , Stadium Rd, Kaloor, Kochi, Kerala 682020
Facilities
The stadium has a seating capacity of 60,000 and has state-of-the-art facilities, including a natural grass playing surface, a 400-meter synthetic track, floodlights, and a high-quality sound system. The stadium also has several training areas, dressing rooms, and medical facilities.
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Events
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi has hosted several major sporting events, including the 2004 Afro-Asian Games, the 2011 Indian Premier League cricket tournament, and the 2015 National Games of India. The stadium has also hosted music concerts, political rallies, and other cultural events.
Transport
The stadium is easily accessible by public transport, including buses, trains, and taxis. The nearest railway station is the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, which is about 5 kilometers away from the stadium. The stadium is also well-connected by road and is located just 1.5 kilometers away from the Kaloor Bus Stand.
Records and statistics
| Form | First | Last |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | India v Australia – Apr 1, 1998 | India v West Indies – Oct 8, 2014 |
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It is the home ground of Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters FC, who debuted in Indian Super League (ISL) competition as Kerala Blasters in 2014, have called Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi their home since 2014. On 6 November 2014 against FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC made history at this stadium with their inaugural match being hosted here at this stadium.
Fans of Chennaiyin FC tend to show up in large numbers at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for home matches of Chennaiyin FC and vice versa; there has long been a heated rivalry between these two clubs on and off the field over many years.
Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has seen International Soccer League League (ISL) action return after more than two years’ absence, drawing record crowds to its opening two matches of 2022-23 season. Football fans in Kochi have eagerly anticipated seeing their home team back in action and were so thrilled when their debut two matches of new season took place!
As part of their goal to form a powerful squad, the club has made efforts to enhance its facilities at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Construction work on a new training area has started.
They are currently working to arrange the seating arrangements at the stadium, in consultation with GCDA, as well as unveil plans to make the stadium more appealing and introduce multi-level parking.
Planned is also to establish a museum at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium to preserve their legacy; and Kochi GCDA have indicated their willingness to collaborate on this matter with KBFC.
The GCDA are looking to improve and expand the capacity of their stadium ahead of this season’s International Super League campaign, as well as expand their fanbase in Kochi.
One reason is their excellent working relationship with the local community, helping with various projects including setting up a football museum.
They have also helped the Blasters promote and enhance the local soccer scene through financial contributions that have helped young people take up soccer in Kerala, as well as contributing to forming the Kerala Youth Academy.
It is the venue for the upcoming ISL season
In 2023, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi will play host to 10 ISL matches and is home ground of Kerala Blasters FC who begin their inaugural matchup against East Bengal on October 7.
For its ninth season, the league has also unveiled an innovative playoff format – teams finishing in the top two positions will automatically qualify for semi-finals while teams placing third to sixth will compete in single-leg playoffs to determine who will ultimately become ISL finalists. This provides fans with more of a glimpse of ISL than in previous years!
This season, the ISL has unveiled a revised fixture schedule that will enable more people to attend matches nearby. Matches will take place on weekends to accommodate families and fans.
Bus stops near the stadium provide access to all city buses. Furthermore, there is also a metro station nearby.
As expected, this venue is expected to draw large crowds to ISL matches, helping increase popularity of the league while simultaneously increasing revenue for municipalities.
GCDA, as owner of the stadium, is currently developing a sports master plan that will include building stadiums and playgrounds throughout each area of the city with specific sports activities to meet every community need.
Greater Cochin Development Authority has set aside Rs20 lakh for creating their plan and will seek assistance from national and international athletes, sports councils, and clubs to meet this objective.
While the ISL has been an enormous success for Indian football, players have encountered issues during training and matches. Certain teams have complained about using bio-bubble systems during matches; others have raised traffic snarls or parking issues as an obstacle.
ISL has proven itself successful at drawing large crowds to its matches and helping promote sports in India, so its return to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in 2023 can only be seen as positive development.
It is the venue for various other events
This multipurpose stadium with seating capacity for 60,000 has hosted numerous concerts, exhibitions, and sports matches over its years of operation. Furthermore, it serves as a popular venue for large sports events such as international football matches.
Kochi Stadium is conveniently situated within Kochi city and easily accessible via public transport, with city buses traveling along the Kaloor-Palarivattom stretch stopping here, while JLN Stadium metro station sits directly in front. This provides convenient access to central Kochi.
Cricket and football are two sports that the stadium primarily caters for, hosting several international events and tournaments over its history.
There is much to do at this stadium as well, such as watching movies or live music performances. Additionally, it serves as a major tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors annually.
At this year’s Vanitha Utsav, the stadium is expected to be bustling with people and visitors. It will host various attractions and forms of entertainment – including dance festivals and live concerts – making this event truly one for the books!
FAQs
Q: What is the nearest airport to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi?
A: The nearest airport to the stadium is Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 27 kilometers away.
Q: How can I book tickets for events at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi?
A: Tickets for events at the stadium can be booked online through various ticketing websites or purchased directly at the stadium ticket counters.
Q: Is there parking available at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi?
A: Yes, there is ample parking available at the stadium for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Q: Are food and drinks allowed inside the stadium?
A: Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the stadium. However, food and drinks can be purchased at various food stalls inside the stadium.
Q: Is there a dress code for events at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi?
A: There is no specific dress code for events at the stadium. However, it is recommended to dress comfortably and appropriately for the event.
Q: Is there a cloakroom available at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi
A: No, there is no cloakroom available at the stadium. Visitors are advised not to carry any valuables with them.
Q: Are cameras allowed inside Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi?
A: Cameras are allowed inside the stadium for personal use. However, professional cameras and recording equipment are not allowed without prior permission.