Question

In 150 words describe a newly renovated stadium that you have recently seen.

Answer 1

The Salt Lake Stadium, also known as the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), in Kolkata has been re-opened after its renovation completed in 2016.

Being the largest stadium in India, it has a seating capacity of 85,000.

Almost US $16 million was spent for the renovation project. An all-natural grass pitch that has been grown from the US-procured Reivera Bermuda seeds, has replaced the artificial turf. Under this grass layer, are 2 layers of gravel and sand. Perforated pipes have been used to prevent water-clogging issues. The same Reivera grass layer has been used in the practice grounds also.

The old track has been scraped out and replaced with a new elastic coating around the pitch for the running track.

The stadium offices, broadcast rooms, and the VIP lobbies have been renovated spaciously and air-conditioned. New rooms have been constructed for the referees and for the ball boys.

The concrete benches have been replaced by bucket seats which is the main reason for the drop in the seating capacity to 85,000 seats from the previous 120,000 seats. There are 9 entrance gates now and 8 floodlight towers.

The new press box and the VIP box have 240 seats each. The room for holding press conferences have been shifted to under the gallery.

A few tournament matches and the final match of the FIFA world cup - 2017 was held recently at this stadium after its renovation.