Ekana Stadium Lucknow: A Hub for Sports Enthusiasts
The Ekana Cricket Stadium, located in Lucknow, is one of the most modern and state-of-the-art cricket stadiums in India. With a seating capacity of over 50,000 spectators, it has become a hub for sports enthusiasts from all over the country.
History of Ekana Stadium
The construction of Ekana Stadium began in 2016, with an estimated cost of ₹1,200 crores. The stadium was built by the Uttar Pradesh government to promote cricket and other sports in the region. It took around two years to complete the project, which was inaugurated on March 8, 2018.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Ekanā Stadium boasts of world-class infrastructure and facilities, making it an ideal destination for international cricket tournaments. The stadium features a 65-meter high electronic scoreboard, a floodlit outfield, and a state-of-the-art video conferencing system.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Dressing Rooms | Six state-of-the-art dressing rooms with showers, toilets, and locker facilities for both teams. |
| Media Center | A fully equipped media center with a press box, interview rooms, and a live video feed of the stadium. |
| Parking Facility | A sprawling parking lot with over 4,000 slots for cars and buses. |
Ekana Cricket Stadium Lucknow: A Boon for Local Economy
The construction of Ekana Stadium has given a significant boost to the local economy of Lucknow. The stadium has created employment opportunities for over 500 people, including security personnel, maintenance staff, and vendors.
Economic Impact of Ekana Stadium
- Creation of Employment Opportunities: Over 500 jobs have been created in various sectors such as security, maintenance, and hospitality.
- Increase in Local Business: The stadium has led to an increase in local businesses, with hotels, restaurants, and shops benefiting from the influx of tourists.
- Boost to Real Estate: The construction of Ekana Stadium has resulted in a surge in real estate prices in the surrounding areas, making it an attractive investment opportunity for property developers.
Lucknow Cricket Stadium: A Hub for International Cricket Tournaments
Ekanā Stadium has become a popular destination for international cricket tournaments, hosting matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), and other major competitions.
International Events Hosted at Ekana Stadium
- IPL 2018: Ekanā Stadium hosted a total of five IPL matches in 2018, including the final match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- WBBL 2020: The stadium was one of the venues for the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2020, hosting three matches featuring teams from Australia and New Zealand.
Fitness Center and Sports Facilities
Ekanā Stadium also features a state-of-the-art fitness center and sports facilities, including a gymnasium, yoga studio, and a swimming pool. These facilities are available for use by players, staff members, and visitors to the stadium.
Key Features:
- 24-hour Gymnasium
- Yoga Studio with expert instructors
- Swimming Pool with changing rooms and showers
Lucknow Stadium: A Hub for Cultural Events
Ekanā Stadium is not just a sports venue but also a hub for cultural events, hosting concerts, music festivals, and exhibitions throughout the year.
Cultural Events at Ekana Stadium
- Maharashtra Day Celebrations: The stadium hosted a grand celebration of Maharashtra Day in 2020, featuring traditional dance performances, folk songs, and cultural events.
- Music Festival: Ekanā Stadium has also played host to several music festivals, including the Lucknow Music Festival, which features performances by local and international artists.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the seating capacity of Ekana Stadium?
A: The seating capacity of Ekanā Stadium is over 50,000 spectators.
Q: Has Ekana Stadium hosted any international cricket tournaments?
A: Yes, Ekanā Stadium has hosted several international cricket tournaments, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Q: What are the facilities available at Ekana Stadium?
A: The stadium features world-class infrastructure and facilities, including six state-of-the-art dressing rooms, a fully equipped media center, and a sprawling parking lot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ekanā Stadium has become an iconic landmark in Lucknow, hosting international cricket tournaments, cultural events, and sports competitions. The stadium’s infrastructure and facilities make it an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts, and its economic impact on the local community is a significant boon.
References
- The Times of India: “Ekana Stadium to Host IPL Matches in 2018”
- ESPN Cricinfo: “Ekanā Stadium to Host WBBL Matches in 2020”
- The Hindu: “Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium to Host Cultural Events Throughout the Year”
About Ekanā Stadium
Ekanā Stadium is a state-of-the-art cricket stadium located in Lucknow, India. The stadium was built by the Uttar Pradesh government and has become a popular destination for international cricket tournaments and cultural events.