The project gained momentum on Saturday after chief minister Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone at Suryanagar, Indlawadi in Anekal taluk, while the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) floated tenders for the first phase of construction.

Representational images

The stadium project was cleared by the state Cabinet in October 2025, following the tragic stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June 2025, which claimed 11 lives during RCB victory celebrations. It is one of three proposed alternatives considered by the government, alongside sites in Shivaram Karanth Layout and Bidadi Integrated Township.

Officials said the first phase alone will cost around Rs 950 crore and will include construction of the stadium structure, access roads and allied infrastructure. The stadium is planned over 75 acres within a larger 4,000-acre land parcel acquired from farmers, with the remaining land earmarked for housing developments and site allotments.

The Chief Minister said the project would transform the region economically and socially. “A total of 4,000 acres have been acquired from farmers, of which 75 acres will be used for the stadium and the rest for housing plots to be allotted to farmers and applicants. This initiative will ensure comprehensive development including sports, tourism, jobs and economic growth,” he said.

He added that the decision to construct a larger stadium was taken after the Chinnaswamy tragedy. “We decided to build a bigger stadium with higher capacity. It is a much-needed infrastructure for the State to encourage sports and nurture young talent,” he said.

The stadium, once completed, will have a seating capacity of 80,000 compared to Chinnaswamy’s 32,000, and is expected to become India’s second largest cricket venue after the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which seats 90,000.

Designed as a multi-use sports and events hub, the facility will host cricket matches at club, national and international levels, along with concerts, ceremonies and large-scale cultural events. The design follows a modern “seating bowl” concept inspired by global stadiums including AT&T Stadium (Texas), Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis), Tigres Stadium (Mexico) and LA Live Entertainment Complex (Los Angeles).

The seating layout will include 76,200 general admission seats, 2,000 VIP seats, 1,000 VVIP seats and 800 wheelchair-accessible and companion spaces.

Beyond cricket, the complex will be developed as a year-round sports ecosystem. The second phase includes an indoor sports arena, convention centre, aquatic centre and outdoor courts. Planned facilities feature a 400-metre athletics track, badminton, basketball, volleyball and table tennis courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, diving and practice pools, retail and restaurant spaces, basement parking, a medical centre, fitness and nutrition centres, hostel accommodation, physiotherapy units and an exhibition and convention hub.

A key highlight of the design is a façade reflecting Karnataka’s cultural identity and cricketing heritage, along with a dedicated hall of fame showcasing iconic players, historic moments and memorabilia through immersive digital and physical installations.

Officials said the hall of fame will be designed as an interactive experience with curated displays, controlled lighting and secure showcases, aimed at preserving sporting heritage while engaging visitors.

The project also carries a broader urban development plan. Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar said the Housing Department and KHB, traditionally focused on housing, are now undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects such as the stadium, marking a shift in development vision.

He said the project would help ease Bengaluru’s traffic pressure, attract international sporting events, and ensure Cauvery drinking water supply to surrounding areas while generating employment opportunities.

However, the project has also faced concerns from sections of farmers and environmentalists, who have warned that the site lies close to the Karadikkal–Mahadeshwara wildlife corridor and may impact local ecology and wildlife movement.

Alongside the stadium foundation, the chief minister also launched the ‘Namma Mane’ housing initiative, including Surya Shine and Surya Divine projects, and symbolically distributed site allotment letters to beneficiaries through a lottery system, marking a parallel push in housing development under the same infrastructure drive.