Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, inaugurated on April 1, 2012, by the then ICC president Sharad Pawar, is an international cricket venue in Pune, India.

Designed by Michael Hopkins, it has a seating capacity of 37,000 to 42,700 and is known for its bowl shape and unroofed stands.

Preceded by Nehru Stadium as Maharashtra’s cricket hub, it boasts a high-tech rainwater drainage system, ensuring minimal rain delays. Make it stands as one of the technologically advanced stadiums.

The pitch, favoring quick bowlers, hosted its first international match in 2012, first Test in 2017. It also hosted many popular domestic tournament, such as IPL.

This stunning architecture stadium having been the home ground for teams like Pune Warriors India and Chennai Super Kings during various seasons.

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium: A Technologically Advanced Cricket Stadium

Emerging from a ticket allocation dispute, the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, with its advanced drainage system and a deep bowl design by Michael Hopkins, stands out in Pune since 2012.

Unveiled by Sharad Pawar, it accommodates up to 42,700 spectators, often witnessing the pace-friendly pitch sway in favor of fast bowlers.

It’s etched in cricket lore for hosting significant IPL games and India’s cricketing milestones, making it a beloved venue with a unique spectator ambiance despite ongoing construction.

The History of Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium emerged from a dispute over ticket allocations at the legendary cricket grounds, Nehru Stadium, prompting the creation of a fresh venue in Pune.

BCCI president Sharad Pawar laid the foundation on October 21, 2007, with Shapoorji Pallonji handling the construction.

British architect Michael Hopkins designed the stadium, which encountered delays but finally opened in April 2012.

Renowned for its rainwater drainage system, the stadium has hosted numerous memorable matches, including a Test match where Steve Smith scored a century and Steve O’Keefe took twelve wickets.

It has been a pivotal IPL venue, serving as home to Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, and temporarily, Chennai Super Kings.

Stadium Capacity

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium can seat 37,406 spectators. Its oval shape with a sloping seating bowl ensures an unobstructed view for all.

The North Stand, the largest, holds 13,000 fans, while the other stands each accommodate 7,000.

Modern amenities like an indoor cricket academy and a large parking lot cater to the needs of both players and spectators.

The stadium’s capacity places it among the larger cricket venues in India, though not the largest globally. It expanded slightly from its initial 36,000 to the current number.

The design by Michael Hopkins Architects facilitates this capacity with four main stands and additional facilities like VIP lounges and restaurants in the Pavilion Stand, contributing to a high-quality fan experience.

Record attendance figures for the stadium are not readily available, but it has hosted several high-profile international cricket matches and IPL games, which are typically well-attended.

The stadium’s atmosphere is amplified by the enthusiastic crowd, especially in the North Stand, known for its lively support for the home team.

Fan engagement is a priority, with various amenities and seating options that enhance the comfort and enjoyment of spectators.

Pitch and Conditions

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium features pitches made from black soil, offering more bounce and maintaining consistency throughout matches.

Historically, the venue is known for being batting-friendly, with high scores being a common occurrence.

Especially in One Day Internationals (ODIs), where the average first innings score hovers around 301. In Twenty20 Internationals, the track has shown a preference for batting as well.

Weather conditions in Pune are typically sunny, which can contribute to the pitch’s playability.

Rain, although it can be a factor during certain seasons, is unlikely to disrupt the game due to the stadium’s effective drainage system.

The black soil composition helps keep the bounce true, which, along with the weather, makes the stadium a favored venue for batters.

Past matches have seen high-scoring innings, reflecting the pitch’s nature. Teams chasing have successfully run down 300+ targets twice in three attempts.

Its demonstrating that the pitch does not deteriorate significantly and can support high-scoring games for both teams batting first and second.

Memorable Matches and Moments

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium has hosted a range of memorable cricket matches. Also hosted legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

The stadium’s first ODI in 2013 saw India face Australia, a match that set the tone for high-scoring games to follow.

In ODIs, Virat Kohli has scored the most runs at the venue, amassing 551 runs including three centuries and three fifties.

Meanwhile, Rassie van der Dussen holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs at the stadium with 133 runs.

However, this stadium has seen its share of nail-biting finishes, including the 2017 ODI where Kedar Jadhav and Virat Kohli chased down England’s 351, a match that has become part of the stadium’s folklore.

Facilities and Features

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium offers:

• Spectator Amenities: Around 37,000 fans can enjoy the match with unobstructed views, along with dedicated stands for media and members.
• Hospitality Services: Premium experiences are available in approximately 80 corporate boxes, alongside member facilities like squash courts and a swimming pool.
• Parking and Transportation: The stadium has a large parking facility, catering to nearly 3,500 cars and 12,000 two-wheelers.
• Technological Infrastructure: A Bermuda-grass playing surface, pop-up sprinklers, and a rapid water drainage system ensure high-quality match conditions.

Visitor Information: Location and Tips

The MCA Stadium is in Gahunje, Pune, approximately 25 kilometers north of the city center. Landmark-wise, it’s near the Mumbai-Pune Highway.

However, Pune Airport, 10 kilometers north of the city, serves domestic flights and some international destinations.

For those driving, the stadium is accessible via the Mumbai-Pune Highway. The closest railway station is Begdewadi, about 5 kilometers away.

Tickets can be purchased online through BookMyShow or at the stadium’s ticket counters. Ticket prices vary depending on the match and seating category.

It’s best to arrive at the stadium at least three hours before the match starts to avoid the crowds.

Match Day Tips:

• Carry a valid ID for entry and note that outside food and drinks are prohibited.
• Smoking is also not allowed inside the stadium.
• Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular matches.
• Be aware of the stadium’s list of prohibited items.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Architecture

The stadium features a deep bowl design with terraced seating, influenced by the natural slope of its location on the Deccan Plateau, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains.

However, the layout focuses on optimizing the spectator experience with good airflow, daylight for the playing surface, and views of the landscape.

Designed by Hopkins Architects, the stadium showcases innovative structural techniques and materials for comfort and aesthetics.

The construction utilizes a cut-and-fill method on the sloped site, with stands designed to maximize shading and airflow using a composite steel and tensile membrane structure.

It includes four stands surrounding the lower terrace, with upper terrace seating, a Members’ Pavilion, media facilities, and hospitality boxes.

Roofs are engineered for shade and ventilation, featuring PVDF coated PVC fabric panels within a light steel frame.

The seating arrangement allows for a capacity of 34,000, with plans for expansion, and includes a range of viewing experiences from general seats to luxury boxes.

The design harmonizes with the environment, make it stands among other eco-friendly stadiums around India, leveraging the site’s natural gradient and views.

The roofing system’s lightweight structure and the stadium’s overall integration with its surroundings act as its architectural hallmarks.

Final Words about Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, with a capacity of 37,406, is a premier cricketing venue in Pune, home to the Maharashtra cricket team and a host to many IPL teams.

It has witnessed historic moments, including record-breaking performances and nail-biting finishes.

Its design by Hopkins Architects features a terraced bowl for optimal spectator experiences and sustainable practices like advanced water drainage systems.

However, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium is batting-friendly pitch. How might it shape the outcome for a match involving your favorite team? Will it challenge the bowlers or continue to favor the batsmen?

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