Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)
The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, also known as Kaloor Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. Since the 2017 renovation, the stadium has a seating capacity of 40,000. Previously, it used to have capacity of 80,000 spectators, that was limited to 41,000 for Indian Super League matches due to various security reasons. It is the home ground of the Indian Super League Club Kerala Blasters FC. The stadium is widely touted to have hosted one of the loudest audiences for association football matches in the world.
Kaloor Stadium Yellow Arena | |
The stadium during an Indian Super League match of Kerala Blasters FC | |
| Location | Kaloor, Kochi, India |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 9°59′50″N 76°18′04″E |
| Public transit | J. L. N. Stadium Kaloor Bus Stand |
| Owner | Greater Cochin Development Authority |
| Operator | Greater Cochin Development Authority |
| Executive suites | 109 |
| Capacity | 40,000 |
| Record attendance | 100,000 (India vs Iraq 1997) |
| Surface | Riviera Bermuda Grass |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1996 |
| Renovated | 2000, 2017 |
| Tenants | |
| Kerala State Football Team (1997–present) Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2010 -2011) Kerala Blasters FC (2014–present) India national football team (1997-present) India national cricket team (1998-2014) | |
The stadium has played host to a number of international cricket and football matches but after 2014 it didn't hold any cricket match due to ISL. The extensive grounds of the stadium serve as venue for important exhibitions, cinema events and political rallies in the city. The most innovative aspect of the stadium is its unique lighting towers of 2 kW Floodlights which when switched on fully can provide lighting levels for HD telecast. The Structure of the tower is itself one of a kind in India. Greater Cochin Development Authority leased out the Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium at Kaloor to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for a period of 30 years.
The stadium acts as the home ground for teams including Kerala cricket team, Kerala Blasters FC (Indian Super League). As of 19 August 2017, the stadium has hosted 10 One Day Internationals. Stadium holds the privilege of having the fifth loudest crowd (128 db) in the world, during ISL 2016 final match where Kerala Blasters played against Atletico de Kolkata.
Kochi was one of the six host cities for 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in India. It was extensively renovated before the event.