Largest Stadium in India: Know About Narendra Modi Stadium

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : May 30, 2022, 7:45

Cricket enjoys unparalleled popularity in India, with fans religiously following every game. Due to this reason, the country houses many large cricket stadiums. As of 2022, the largest stadium in India is the Narendra Modi Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The Narendra Modi Stadium was constructed in 1982 and first renovated in 2006. Situated inside the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, the stadium is a venue for international matches in the city. It hosted the Cricket World Cup matches during 1987, 1996, and 2011. Apart from sports, the grand stadium also hosts programs for the Gujarat government.

In October 2015, Gujarat Cricket Association, which owns the stadium, decided to reconstruct it under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi. On completion of the reconstruction in February 2020, the stadium became capable of accommodating more than 1.3 lakh spectators. It broke the record of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which had a seating capacity of 90,000 to become the World's largest cricket stadium.

On 24th February 2021, the stadium, formerly known as Sardar Patel Cricket Stadium or Motera Stadium, was renamed Narendra Modi Stadium. This newly reconstructed stadium hosted its first pink ball test match between India and England on the same day.

Features of the Largest Stadium in India

Following are the specifications of India's largest cricket stadium:

  • The reconstructed Narendra Modi Stadium is spread across 63 acres of land. Unlike the old version with only one entry, it has four entry points. One of the entry points is linked to the metro line.
  • The stadium boasts a field size of 180×150 yards.
  • It has four dressing rooms with associated facilities, including a gymnasium. This makes it possible for players to play back-to-back games on the same day.     
  • Players can access six indoor practice pitches and three outdoor practice fields.
  • The stadium also houses an indoor cricket academy, including a dormitory for 40 athletes.
  • There are 76 corporate boxes in the stadium with a seating capacity of 25 each.

Notable Events of the Largest Stadium in India

  • In 1986-87, Sunil Gavaskar scored 10,000 runs in Test cricket against Pakistan in the stadium to become the highest run-scorer in test cricket.
  • In February 1994, Kapil Dev claimed his 432nd wicket in test cricket at the stadium. It made him the highest wicket-taker globally, surpassing Sir Richard Hadlee's record.
  • The stadium hosted the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals between India and Australia. India defeated Australia and marked a huge win.
  • In 2013, Sachin Tendulkar reached a landmark 30,000 runs in International Cricket in a test match against Sri Lanka at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
  • On 24th February 2020, the stadium hosted the then US President Donald Trump, First Lady, and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Namaste Trump Event. The event, which resembled the "Howdy Modi" event held in Houston, saw 125,000 people gather to welcome the US President on his first visit to India.
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FAQs About Largest Stadium in India

Q.1) Which is the largest stadium in India?

Ans: The Narendra Modi Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is the largest stadium in India.

Q.2) When was India's largest cricket stadium constructed?

Ans: India's largest cricket stadium was first built in 1982. It became the World's largest cricket stadium after reconstruction in Feb 2020.

Q.3) In which stadium was the Namaste Trump event organized?

Ans: The Namaste Trump event was organized in India's largest cricket stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium of Gujarat.

Q.4) What is the capacity of the Narendra Modi Stadium?

Ans: The official capacity of the Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera is 132000, and that makes it the largest cricket stadium even ahead of the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia