Plans are underway for a major upgrade of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with the Karnataka State Cricket Association initiating moves for a long-term renovation aimed at increasing capacity and the overall fan experience.The move comes shortly after KSCA officials led by president Venkatesh Prasad met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to discuss the ambitious expansion plan. The proposal seeks to increase the capacity of the stadium, which currently stands at around 34,000, by an additional 20,000 seats.
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Greenstone Lobo predicts IPL 2026 winner The KSCA has taken the first formal step, issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting proposals for a comprehensive redesign. The project will involve an architectural and structural redesign, improved spectator facilities, improved crowd movement systems along with upgraded parking and traffic management solutions.Although no firm deadline has yet been set, Prasad acknowledged the scale and complexity of the project.“We have not set a timeline for completing the renovation as it is a lengthy process,” Prasad told Deccan Herald. “We have to call for bids and hold several meetings to get various approvals. It will take a significant amount of time. But we are committed to transforming the stadium, hopefully during my tenure.”Prasad also clarified that this idea has been in the works for years and is not a sudden initiative.“It’s not like I came into office now and I want to make changes immediately,” he emphasized. “I’ve been thinking about this for the last 10 years. Even though I was pursuing an MBA in International Sports Management, I kept coming back to one thing – the spectators. They are our biggest stakeholders, but they don’t have much to say. The game is what it is because of them, and the least we can do is provide the best possible match experience in the stadium.”He stressed the need for modernisation, pointing out that the venue, originally built in the 1970s, now had to evolve with the rapid growth of the city.“Obviously the stadium is quite old. With due respect to those who built it, it has to evolve. It was built in the 1970s with a vision for the next 50 years maybe. But Bengaluru has outgrown anyone’s imagination, so everything has to evolve accordingly.”He also mentioned the upgrades done at other iconic Indian venues such as Wankhede Stadium, Eden Gardens and MA Chidambaram Stadium and emphasized that now is the time for Chinnaswamy to undergo a similar transformation.“So much of the equipment in the stadium looks temporary and inadequate at the moment. The commentators’ boxes, the equipment for the spectators… All this has to change and that is the only constant,” he added.As Bengaluru continues to grow as a major cricketing hub, the proposed redevelopment could mark a major step towards bringing one of India’s most iconic venues up to modern standards.Stay updated with the IPL schedule, find out how your team stands in the IPL 2026 points table and watch the race to win the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
