2023 ODI World Cup venues: HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala — capacity, pitch info and areas that need attention

The scenic environment of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamsala, embellished by the snow-capped mountains of the Dhauladhar ranges, are set to play host to the upcoming ODI World Cup, which will get underway in India on October 5.

If you might be planning to look at a sport at HPCA Stadium in the course of the World Cup, right here’s all you want to know:

Capacity: On paper, the stadium, within the coronary heart of the city, has a capability of 20,200, however some seats is not going to be in use to accommodate the sight-screens. It is an open stadium with no pillars blocking the view. The stadium has come a good distance, from 8,000 seats within the preliminary levels to 18,000 on the 2016 T20 World Cup. There are eight common stands for the followers with short-term ramps to facilitate entry.

Hospitality containers: Seventeen company containers have been constructed for the occasion. Each field can seat 25 individuals with the very best of amenities: meals, drinks, and a tv set. Of the 17 containers, 9 have been earmarked for the BCCI, ICCI, relations of the groups, and sponsors, and 9 containers are on the market. A membership lounge with 800 individuals provides a tremendous view of the bottom with the Dhauladhar Ranges within the distance. The ICC could have entry to ¼ of the capability. A state-of-the-art marquee space on the bottom ground will likely be an added facility for the World Cup.

Practice amenities: The observe space has 10 relaid pitches that cater to all of the wants: bounce, flip, and seam. The new nets make the realm engaging with floodlight amenities. In addition, because of the climate circumstances, wonderful indoor amenities are additionally out there, together with a state-of-the-art gymnasium with rehab amenities, which has acquired reward from visiting gamers.

Pitches: There are 9 pitches, three for the World Cup, ready by Sunil Chauhan. The pitches on the HPCA Stadium have all the time been rated excessive by the gamers, particularly the bowlers. The black soil provides the pitches a real bounce. The emphasis on true bounce makes pitches in Dharamsala essentially the most thrilling function of the set-up. The dew issue is taken care of by anti-dew spray. A crew of 17 floor employees has labored tirelessly to spruce up the cricket amenities.

Drainage and outfield: Dharamsala has a wonderful drainage system. It’s an air evacuation mechanism that may evacuate any quantity of water inside a couple of minutes. This additionally permits aeration for the roots of the grass, retaining it wholesome on a regular basis. Dharamsala predominantly being a chilly climate area, the grass chosen right here is ryegrass, and to resist summer time warmth, it’s over-seeded with a heat- and shade-tolerant grass selection referred to as paspalum. The profile of the outfield is a 450-mm sand and gravel layer, with an enormous community of pipes beneath.

Entry factors: There are 12 entry factors to the stadium. Gate No. 1 brings within the groups and match officers. Comfortable walkways to the spectator space are a welcome consolation for the followers. The spacious strategy to the spectators’ galleries is a crucial function of the venue. Locals are used to strolling lengthy distances, however the organisers have made particular preparations with three large parking tons at a distance of 500 metres to 1000 metres. Dedicated transport will likely be made out there for the aged and followers with particular wants. The HPCA could have a crew of younger volunteers to information individuals in and outdoors the stadium. The volunteers, picked by a range course of, have undergone particular coaching to take care of the wants of the spectators.

Accessibility and challenges: There are points associated to parking, however the visitors on matchdays is managed effectively by the police and volunteers. The expertise of internet hosting IPL matches flawlessly would come in useful on the World Cup. Importantly, the self-discipline of the followers is what helps the organisers at huge video games. Spectators are identified to refill the stands in an organised method by reporting a lot forward of the entry, which begins three hours earlier than the scheduled begin.

In case of emergency: The exit routes have been marked, retaining in thoughts any emergency. Ambulances and medical amenities within the stands in satisfactory numbers will likely be out there with easy accessibility for the followers.

Dressing rooms: Special care has been taken to offer snug seats for the gamers, with devoted lockers too. The organisers have stored prepared amenities like sauna baths and ice bathtub tubs, a necessary a part of any dressing room in fashionable occasions. The dressing rooms are spacious and provides the gamers a lovely view of the bottom.

Washrooms: The organisers will present state-of-the-art washroom amenities for the paying public. There are 26 washrooms for the followers, with equal distribution for women and men. There are additionally provisions for followers with particular wants.

Water: The HPCA is dedicated to offering free consuming water to the followers. The eateries will provide packed containers and snacks at an inexpensive value, with an emphasis on hygiene.

Floodlights: There are 4 LED towers with 400 LED fixtures. Efforts have been made to make sure no interruption within the provide of energy by putting in the very best turbines.

What’s new: Granite stone has been used within the stadium, and gorgeous landscaping makes it a panoramic venue.

Facade lighting will make it a really engaging sight for the general public, and the organisers plan to make use of it to woo vacationers when there aren’t any matches. As of now, stadium excursions are organised by the native administration.

Areas that want consideration: The organisers would like to have higher parking amenities nearer to the bottom, however the infrastructure across the floor—authorities faculties and schools—has helped them meet the additional calls for in the course of the huge matches.

Hotels and tourism: The HPCA is far relieved with new properties coming as much as enhance the lodging. Radisson Blu, Hyatt, ITC Amoha, Taj, and Lemon Tree add to the price range lodges on the town and in McLeodganj. Fans can even mix cricket with some journey sports activities, together with paragliding, in Bill Billing. The state additionally boasts some iconic temples and monasteries.