Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s announcement that ticket sales for the IPL 2026 opener would begin at 4pm triggered an immediate surge in demand, with passes for Saturday’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad selling out within four minutes. The swift response from supporters reflects a willingness to return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, nearly ten months after the tragic incident outside the venue that resulted in the loss of 11 lives.
While enthusiasm among fans is evident, questions remain over the stadium’s readiness for the season’s opening night. Three days before the fixture, the playing surface and surrounding arena appeared well maintained as SRH conducted an intensive training session near the central square. However, areas beyond the boundary rope presented a contrasting picture.
On Wednesday evening, sections of the stadium complex still resembled a construction zone. Plywood sheets covered unfinished portions at the main entrance, and ongoing work raised concerns about whether preparations would be completed in time for March 28. Across the venue’s perimeter, various sections were still in progress, with workers racing to finalise construction.
Near the Cubbon Road side, temporary pathways had been created to facilitate entry and exit through a new concourse, although walls and gates were yet to receive finishing touches such as paint. The steady sound of drilling, welding and hammering underscored the urgency of the work, with labourers and contractors continuing efforts late into the evening.
“We haven’t slept for four days,” one worker said. Similar pressures have been faced by officials overseeing the project. Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad, who assumed the role in December amid the ongoing crisis, acknowledged that he too has been operating with limited rest in recent months.
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The original completion deadline had been set for March 15, but construction timelines have extended beyond initial expectations. Amid the activity, reminders of last year’s tragedy remain visible. A memorial plaque has been installed near the players’ pavilion entrance to honour those who lost their lives on June 4. A prayer meeting was also held, and both RCB and the KSCA have pledged to permanently keep 11 seats vacant in tribute.
In response to the incident, new crowd-management measures have been introduced. These include integrating ticketing with the Bengaluru Metro network and implementing staggered entry through QR-coded passes, aimed at reducing congestion around the venue. Early signs on Wednesday suggested these systems were already influencing crowd behaviour, with fewer fans gathering near ticket counters compared to previous seasons.
Preparatory work continued well after sunset, with special police permission granted to allow construction to proceed at an accelerated pace. Logistics, safety and readiness dominated discussions at RCB’s pre-season press conference, a notable shift from the usual focus on star players such as Virat Kohli.
With limited time remaining and extensive work still underway, organisers face a significant challenge. Nevertheless, there is optimism that all arrangements will be finalised before the opening fixture, allowing supporters to return to the Chinnaswamy with greater confidence in their safety.
