2023 ODI World Cup venues: Arun Jaitley Stadium — capacity, pitch info and areas that need attention Premium

Ferozeshah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium) has been renovated ahead of 2023 ODI World Cup, with capacity of 37,499, 37 corporate boxes, 9 pitches, 18 entry points, new seats, lifts, washrooms, drinking water, LED lights, air conditioners, scoreboards, canopy, parking, hotels, and tourism. Rohan Jaitley, DDCA President, aims to provide best facilities and urges public to responsibly use them.

One of the five permanent centres in Indian cricket, the Ferozeshah Kotla (now renamed Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium) has often been in the news for the wrong reasons.

In 2009, the fifth and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned after 23.3 overs with Sri Lanka on 83 for five. The venue has come a long way from that dark day in Delhi’s cricket history and is getting a makeover ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Capacity: Officially, the stadium has a capacity of 37,499. Pillars block some of the seats in the general stands and the corporate boxes but the venue has progressed from the time when spectators were seated on roofless concrete stands. The stadium has gained 1700 seats in the old Club House with the permission of the Municipal authorities.

Hospitality boxes: A total of 37 Corporate Boxes are ready in the DDCA Lounge, Bay Area, Hill `B’ and the BCCI Box. Six Boxes are available in the old Club House apart from Marquee Areas catering to every box. For the general stands, every seat has been replaced with new ones. The DDCA Lounge will have a bar and a restaurant that can cater to 110 people at a time.

Pitches: There are nine pitches in the main square of which three will be used for the World Cup. In addition, the two practice areas will also offer new pitches. New nets have been installed in the practice areas. Black soil has been used to prepare the pitches with a 22 to 30-strong ground staff.

Drainage and outfield: The DDCA has procured a state-of-the-art cover that will protect the entire playfield. The authorities have added a new super sopper in addition to the three they have. The drainage system promises to make the outfield available for play within 15 minutes of the stoppage of rain. A new outfield mower will also be in use.

Entry points: There are 18 entry points. Gate Nos. 10 to 18 will allow the general public.