Salt Lake Stadium: Guide To India's Largest Football Stadium

The Salt Lake Stadium was constructed in 1984 in Kolkata, a city that is passionate about football. This stadium in Kolkata, which formerly held 120,000 spectators, is undoubtedly one of the wonders in which the people of Kolkata take great pleasure.

Yuva Bharati Krirangan, another name for Salt Lake Stadium, was once the second-largest stadium in the world without a racecourse. After extensive renovations, it was redesigned in 2014 to accommodate 68,000 people.

The current spectator capacity stands at 85,000 after the stadium underwent a makeover before hosting the U-17 Fifa World Cup. HK. Sen & Associates, Ballardie and Thompson & Mathews planned and constructed the stadium.

With a helipad for VIP arrivals, subterranean reservoirs for emergencies, and a synthetic carpet that can transition to natural grass, the stadium combines cutting-edge architecture with its traditional heritage.

From quickly sold-out tickets to the carnival-like atmosphere outside, Salt Lake Stadium is more than just a sporting event; it's an institution of culture. It is a celebration of football, with crowded tempos, hawkers, and boisterous spectators.

Salt Lake Stadium caters to both fans and players. With press boxes, food vendors, restrooms, medical facilities, and floodlights for night games, it provides an elite experience.

The Stadel, a boutique hotel beneath the stadium ramps, lends a distinct ambiance. It's a prime example of creative space use and the ideal place for football fans to stay while visiting.

Salt Lake Stadium continues to be a beloved relic, setting up renowned sporting activities from across the world and serving as the venue for fierce regional matches. In the words of Baichung Bhutia, "This is the Mecca of Indian football. This is where every player wants to play and every fan wants to watch. This is where football lives."

Time: Open for 24 hours.

Contact: 033 2225 2378

Google Rating: 4.6/5

By car: You can drive your own car, which you can park at the available parking space within the Salt Lake Stadium. You can also book Ola, Uber, InDrive, and Rapido cabs and bikes according to the gate number mentioned on your match ticket. 

By train: The nearest metro station is called IFA Salt Lake Stadium and falls on the green line of the East-West Corridor.

By bus: There are multiple AC and non-AC buses that go towards Salt Lake Stadium. It will cost you between INR 30-INR 50.

On 11 January, Salt Lake Stadium was scheduled to host the Indian Super League match between Mohan Bagan Super Giants vs. East Bengal Football Club from 7:30 PM, but due to administrative and security concerns, the match has shifted to Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. You can catch it live on on Sports18 and Jio Cinema. On 16 February, the stadium will host the match between Mohammedan FC vs. East Bengal FC. If you really want to see the spirit of football, make sure to purchase the tickets on Book My Show and Insider. There are multiple matches that will be played by Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohemmedan at Salt Lake Stadium against other ISL teams that you can book tickets for as well.