Assam Cricket Association Stadium

The Assam Cricket Association Stadium, also known as ACA Stadium or Barsapara Cricket Stadium, is a significant cricket venue in Barsapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.

It serves as the home ground of the Assam cricket team and is managed by the Assam Cricket Association.

With a capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators, it stands as the largest sports stadium in northeastern India.

The stadium’s foundation was laid in June 2004, and construction began in 2006 on land provided by the state government.

It hosted its first match in November 2012, during the East Zone Senior Women’s Inter-State One-Day Championship.

The venue’s international debut was a T20I match between India and Australia in October 2017, drawing an impressive attendance of 38,132.

The first One Day International (ODI) at the stadium took place in October 2018 between India and the West Indies, one of the greatest matches.

Notably, the stadium became a part of IPL history in April 2023 when it hosted matches for the Rajasthan Royals, marking its first involvement in  the most popular India’s tournament.

Assam Cricket Association Stadium: The Home of Rajasthan Royals

Established in 2004 and beginning operations in 2006, the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati, with a seating capacity of 50,000, is North-East India’s largest.

It gained prominence by hosting its inaugural international match, a T20I, in October 2017, followed by its first ODI in 2018.

The stadium, renowned for its impressive spectator turnout, notably hosted IPL matches for the Rajasthan Royals. However, here are some of key points of these stadium:

The History of Assam Cricket Association Stadium

The story of the Assam Cricket Association Stadium, situated in Barsapara, Guwahati, began with the laying of its foundation stone in June 2004 by then-Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

Progressing through challenges, the construction started in 2006 on a land of 59 bighas, previously a dumping ground.

The stadium, initially hosting many local matches, opened its doors to first-class cricket in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season.

The stadium’s inaugural international fixture was a T20I between India and Australia on 10 October 2017, marking a significant milestone with an attendance of 38,132.

This event set the stage for the first One Day International on 21 October 2018, where India faced the West Indies.

In another historic moment, the stadium hosted Women’s International Cricket for the first time in March 2019, featuring three T20I matches between the England and Indian women’s teams.

As a modern cricketing venue, the Assam Cricket Association Stadium has become a home ground for multiple teams, including the Assam cricket team, and has been a part of significant cricketing events, further enriching its history.

Stadium Capacity

The Assam Cricket Association Stadium, also known as ACA Stadium or Barsapara Cricket Stadium, boasts a seating capacity of 50,000.

This impressive figure places it among the largest cricket stadiums in India, similar in capacity to other significant venues like Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, DY Patil Stadium, Greenfield International Stadium, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, and JSCA International Cricket Stadium.

However, it falls short of India’s largest, Eden Gardens, which can accommodate 66,000 spectators.

The layout of the ACA Stadium includes multiple stands spread across different floors, with clear demarcations for box seats and general seating areas.

The VIP boxes, offering a premium viewing experience, are situated on the second floor. This strategic arrangement of seating areas ensures an optimal view for all spectators, enhancing the fan experience.

Despite its large capacity, the stadium is located in a busy locality with limited parking space, making public transport the most viable option on match days.

This aspect, combined with the stadium’s atmosphere and fan engagement activities, contributes to a unique and memorable spectator experience.

Record attendance figures, such as the 38,132 fans during its inaugural T20I match, reflect the stadium’s ability to draw large crowds.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Assam Cricket Association Stadium, widely recognized as a batting paradise, caters to batsmen, making it an exciting venue for high-scoring encounters.

Although detailed information about the soil composition is not readily available, the pitch’s reputation suggests a surface that largely benefits batsmen.

Historically, the pitch behavior has been consistent with this batting-friendly nature.

For instance, during a T20 International match, the average score for the team batting first was 118, while in One Day Internationals, it was significantly higher at 322.

These scores reflect the pitch’s tendency to favor batsmen, particularly in limited-overs formats.

Weather conditions in Guwahati, where the stadium is located, often include partly cloudy skies with occasional spells of rain or thundershowers.

This climatic pattern can impact the playability of the pitch, with moisture potentially affecting the surface.

The stadium has experienced interruptions due to rain, as seen in the abandonment of an India-Sri Lanka, one of the best T20 match, held in January 2020.

Facilities and Features

The Assam Cricket Association Stadium, known for its modern facilities, caters to a broad range of needs for both spectators and players.

With a seating capacity of 50,000, the stadium offers comprehensive seating plans across various floors, including ground, first, second, and third floors, ensuring a clear view from all stands.

The map of the stadium helps spectators locate their seats and the boxes, enhancing the overall experience.

VIP boxes, offering an exclusive viewing experience, are located on the second floor. Additionally, the stadium includes banquet facilities and a lawn area, contributing to the hospitality options available to visitors and guests.

The stadium boasts a state-of-the-art media center and an advanced irrigation system for the field.

It includes a detailed subsoil drainage network and 82 sprinklers for pitch maintenance, ensuring minimal impact of rain on the pitch.

Players benefit from a new fitness center, which enhances their physical conditioning, and a covered practice arena that allows uninterrupted practice sessions regardless of the weather.

Visitor Information: Location and Tips

The Assam Cricket Association Stadium, also known as Barsapara Stadium or ACA Stadium Guwahati, is the only international cricket stadium in the northeastern states of India.

Located in the Barsapara locality of Guwahati, Assam, it is a significant landmark in the city, easily identifiable due to its prominence in the area.

The stadium is situated in a busy locality with limited parking options, especially on match days. Visitors are advised to utilize public transport due to the challenges in finding parking spaces near the stadium.

The stadium has multiple entry gates for spectators. For instance, Gate No. 2 is accessible via Barsapara Tiniali (AK Azad Road), and other gates have their specific entry points.

Tickets for matches can be purchased online through the official ticketing website or authorized partners.

Prices generally start from 1000 INR ($12) for international and popular cricket matches, such as IPL, with various price ranges available.

To avoid crowds, it is advisable to arrive well before the start of the match. This early arrival allows visitors to navigate through the entry process smoothly and find their seats without rush.

On match days, visitors should prepare for varied weather conditions, including carrying sun protection if necessary.

Architecture

Barsapara Stadium exhibits modern architectural excellence. Its design blends modernity with tradition, reflecting cricket’s heritage while embracing innovative elements.

The stadium’s design prioritizes unobstructed views from every seat, enhancing the spectator experience. Its sprawling infrastructure is designed to create an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.

The stadium was constructed by Klorophyll (India) Sports Turf Technology & Construction Pvt. Ltd.

However, the layout includes stands on multiple floors with a clear seat map, ensuring easy navigation and optimal viewing from all areas.

The stadium can accommodate 50,000 spectators, with seating arrangements that offer unimpeded views of the pitch. VIP boxes on the second floor provide an exclusive viewing experience.

Final Words about Assam Cricket Association Stadium

The Assam Cricket Association Stadium, also known as Barsapara Stadium, is a premier cricketing venue in Guwahati, Assam.

It stands out with a capacity of 50,000, making it the largest in Northeast India and a home ground for the Assam cricket team and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

The stadium has witnessed historic moments, including hosting international matches and women’s T20I series.

Its modern architecture and spectator-focused design ensure unobstructed views, complemented by state-of-the-art facilities.

Accessibility challenges are mitigated by public transport options due to limited parking.

For cricket enthusiasts, the pitch, known as a batting paradise, raises the question: How would this surface favor your favorite team’s bowlers or batsmen in a high-stakes match?