Greenfield International Stadium

The Greenfield International Stadium is a multipurpose stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The stadium was constructed on 36 acres leased from Kerala University and opened on January 29, 2015.

It quickly became a notable cricket venue, with a capacity of 50,000, making it one of India’s larger cricket grounds. The stadium’s design adheres to FIFA and ICC standards, emphasizing its multi-sport utility.

The pitch at Greenfield Stadium is known for its challenging nature for batters, favoring bowlers, particularly pacers early on and spinners as the pitch matures.

The stadium has hosted significant cricket matches, including T20Is and an ODI. In 2016, the stadium was recognized internationally, winning the David Vickers Award for New Venue of the Year at the Stadium Business Awards in Madrid.

The History of Greenfield International Stadium

The Greenfield International Stadium, also known as The Sports Hub, marks a distinctive chapter in India’s sporting landscape.

Its journey began in 2012 with a groundbreaking ceremony, leading to its opening on January 26, 2015. The project, with Collage Design, Mumbai as the architect and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS) as the main contractor, cost approximately ₹390 crore (US$49 million).

Notably, it was India’s first stadium built on a DBOT (design, build, operate, and transfer) basis, and developed on annuity mode, setting a precedent in the country’s stadium construction paradigm.

The stadium became a crucial venue for international and domestic cricket. On November 7, 2017, it hosted a memorable T20I between India and New Zealand, marked by a rain-shortened match that India won.

This game was followed by other significant T20I matches against West Indies in 2019 and South Africa in 2022, each adding to the stadium’s growing repute in the cricketing world.

Greenfield Stadium also underwent an operational transition. In 2016, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) signed a lease agreement with Kariyavattom Sports Facilities Limited (KSFL) for stadium usage.

This steps outlining shared responsibilities and revenue sharing for international matches, thereby aligning local cricket administration with the stadium’s operations.

Stadium Capacity

Greenfield International Stadium, a modern cricket venue in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, stands out for its significant seating capacity.

Initially designed to accommodate around 50,000 spectators, it has evolved to hold approximately 55,000, placing it among the larger cricket grounds in India.

This capacity aligns with international standards set by both FIFA and the ICC, ensuring a global appeal for the facility.

In comparison to other cricket stadiums globally, Greenfield’s capacity is noteworthy but not the largest in the world.

However, within India, it ranks prominently, showcasing the country’s commitment to building world-class sports infrastructures.

Record attendance at Greenfield was marked during the 2015 SAFF Championship final, where the stadium witnessed more than 48,500 spectators. This event underscored the stadium’s capability to host large crowds efficiently.

Pitch and Conditions

The Greenfield International Stadium, a notable cricket venue in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, features a pitch that distinctly favors bowlers.

The pitch is especially conducive to fast bowlers, offering effective swing conditions. Additionally, spin bowlers find the surface advantageous as the wickets tend to dry quickly, enabling sharp spin.

Despite its bowler-friendly nature, the pitch often retains freshness, allowing batsmen to confidently play their shots.

Over the years, the pitch has shown a consistent pattern of low scoring in matches, suggesting its challenging nature for batters.

The average score in the first innings of T20 matches is around 127, with the highest recorded score being Kerala’s 191/7 and the lowest being Manipur’s 55/10.

In ODIs, the average first innings score has been around 104, again highlighting the pitch’s tendency to favor bowlers over batsmen.

Thiruvananthapuram’s weather plays a significant role in the pitch’s behavior. The city’s unpredictable weather, often humid and cloudy with occasional precipitation, can impact the playability of the pitch.

However, the stadium’s efficient drainage system ensures minimal disruptions due to rain.

The temperature in Thiruvananthapuram generally hovers around 29 degrees Celsius, and with a typical wind speed of 11 km/h, these conditions can influence the game, especially under lights during night matches.

The pitch and conditions at Greenfield International Stadium are a blend of innovative construction and environmental consciousness.

It was built using eco-friendly materials and methods, incorporating recycled soil and organic matter.

The stadium employs advanced technologies for managing soil moisture, temperature, and grass health, optimizing irrigation and nutrient applications to maintain the pitch’s vitality.

This approach not only enhances the playability of the surface but also aligns with sustainable practices, making it an exemplary model in sports infrastructure.

Memorable Matches and Moments

The stadium has hosted significant cricket matches, and witnessed many iconic and remarkable records broken. Here are some iconic moments on Greenfield International Stadium:

1. India vs. West Indies, ODI (1 Nov 2018): India triumphed by 9 wickets in this match, the first ODI at the venue. West Indies set their lowest ODI total against India with 104 runs.
2. India vs. Sri Lanka, ODI (15 Jan 2023): India won by a record 317 runs, with Virat Kohli scoring a remarkable 166 off 110 balls.
3. India vs. West Indies, T20I (8 Dec 2019): West Indies clinched the match by 8 wickets.
4. India vs. South Africa, T20I (28 Sep 2022): India secured a win by 8 wickets.
5. Reeza Hendricks amassed 239 runs during South Africa A’s 2019 tour, the highest in the stadium’s unofficial ODIs.
6. The rain-shortened T20I between India and New Zealand in 2017 ended with a close finish, with India winning by just 6 run.

Facilities and Features

Spectator Amenities

The Greenfield International Stadium offers comfortable seating for 50,000 spectators, designed to accommodate both cricket and football events.

The stadium is segmented into zones, each equipped with amenities like a media center and a gymnasium.

Additionally, shopping malls and a food court enhance the spectator experience, reflecting its commitment to providing a comprehensive entertainment package for visitors.

Parking and Transportation

The stadium is conveniently located 13.3 km from Trivandrum International Airport and 14.4 km from Trivandrum Central Railway Station, ensuring easy access for both local and international visitors. This proximity to major transportation hubs highlights the stadium’s focus on accessibility.

Technological Infrastructure

Greenfield boasts a range of modern technological features, including a floodlit playing surface, a high-quality drainage system, and a state-of-the-art press box.

A modern scoreboard and an electronic ticketing system further signify its advanced technological infrastructure, ensuring a seamless experience for spectators and participants alike.

Player Facilities

The stadium is equipped with player-centric amenities such as well-furnished dressing rooms, practice areas, and a gymnasium.

The presence of additional facilities like a swimming pool, tennis court, and basketball court indicates a holistic approach to athlete welfare and preparation.

Visitor Information: Location and Tips

Greenfield International Stadium, also known as The Sports Hub, is located in Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

It occupies a significant space on land leased by Kerala University. The stadium’s location, notable for its multi-sport utility, is easily identifiable due to its prominence and the fact that it’s a key sports venue in Kerala.

Accessibility

The stadium is accessible from major transport hubs, being 13.3 km from Trivandrum International Airport and 14.4 km from Trivandrum Central Railway Station.

This proximity ensures ease of access for both local and international visitors. For those traveling by road, the stadium is not far from the railway station or airport, with the journey taking about half an hour from the railway station and 25-30 minutes from the airport.

The stadium campus includes various entrances, including a main entrance and a VIP entry, along with parking facilities that can accommodate a large number of vehicles.

Moreover, there are dedicated seating arrangements for 500 specially-abled visitors, ensuring accessibility for all.

Greenfield International Stadium, with its strategic location and modern infrastructure, is well-equipped to offer a comfortable and accessible experience for visitors coming to enjoy cricket and football matches.

Architecture of Greenfield International Stadium

The Greenfield International Stadium stands as a landmark in Thiruvananthapuram with its innovative architecture and state-of-the-art facilities.

Designed with environmental consciousness, the stadium integrates sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy usage.

The stadium’s design and layout, notably its unique lotus flower shape and surrounding green landscape, significantly contribute to its capacity and are integral to its appeal.

The stadium was designed by Collage Design, Mumbai, and built by Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS), showcasing a blend of modern design and functional practicality.

Greenfield was India’s first stadium built on a DBOT (design, build, operate, and transfer) basis, developed on annuity mode. Its construction showcases innovative techniques and a forward-thinking approach to stadium design.

The layout includes four zones, each dedicated to different functions like cricket, football, and commercial activities, ensuring efficient utilization of space and optimal spectator flow.

Greenfield International Stadium’s architecture symbolizes a fusion of modern aesthetics, functional design, and environmental sustainability, stands as an eco-friendly cricket grounds in India.

Final Words about Greenfield International Stadium

Greenfield International Stadium, a multifaceted sports arena in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a testament to modern architecture and sustainability.

With a capacity of around 55,000, it serves as a venue for both cricket and football, but lacks a home IPL team.

Its design, featuring eco-friendly construction and innovative facilities, offers an unparalleled experience for spectators and athletes alike. Well-connected to major transport hubs, it ensures easy accessibility.

However, its pitch, known for favoring bowlers, especially pacers and spinners, poses a challenge. Does your favorite team have what it takes to conquer the unique conditions of Greenfield International Stadium pitch?