BCP fixes game day glitches ahead of high-voltage RCB-CSK clash

BCP enhances security and navigation for the upcoming RCB-CSK IPL match, addressing previous game day issues for fans.

Ahead of the second IPL match at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, the Bengaluru City Police (BCP) reimagined the previous game day of March 28, the IPL opening match for 2026, the first match held after the stampede at the Stadium that killed 11 in 2025, to address loopholes that emerged during the security deployment.

Entry gate maps for ticket holders, signage at metro stations, and ticket-sharing options are among the major interventions that the police has suggested to stakeholders.

After the first match, the police roped in a group of people unfamiliar with the stadium area to conduct a drill around the venue and report the challenges they faced while navigating. Based on the inputs, the police prepared a report that formed the basis for improvements in signage and guiding banners. While some of them will be incorporated before the second match, the rest may take time, according to the sources.

The measures come ahead of a high-voltage clash between two dominant sides in the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. The match between these two teams always sparks high emotions among fans.

Among the major changes, clearing footpath crowding has been prioritised. During the last match, flying squads were seen clearing footpaths rather than taking action against people without tickets loitering around the stadium.

Due to a change in the gate entry system and with the addition of an extra layer of gates, spectators were seen confused and unable to find their designated entry points during the last match. This led to crowding on footpaths and spillover onto the roads.