Greater Cochin Development Authority open to hosting non-sporting events in Kerala’s Kaloor stadium without damaging turf

GCDA plans to host non-sporting events at Kaloor stadium while preserving the turf, accommodating Kerala Blasters' ISL matches.

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) may open the doors of the newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium (JNIS) at Kaloor in Kochi, Kerala, to non-sporting events, albeit without damaging the freshly laid high-quality turf, GCDA chairman K. Chandran Pillai has said.

He was addressing a press conference along with the management of Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) on Wednesday to announce that JNIS will host KBFC’s nine home matches scheduled between February 22 and May in the upcoming edition of Indian Super League (ISL).

A view of the renovated Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor in Kochi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Mr. Pillai explained that JNIS could accommodate non-sporting events by laying removable tiles over the turf, allowing sunlight to permeate and thereby protecting the turf. However, this would cost ₹8 crore, which is beyond the financial capacity of the GCDA. Although a similar proposal was included in the GCDA’s last Budget, it could not be pursued due to the lack of government response, he said.

The stadium was recently renovated by the Reporter Broadcasting Corporation (RBC), sponsor of the proposed visit of the World Cup-winning Argentina team led by Lionel Messi for an international friendly. The match, originally scheduled for November 25 last year, was later cancelled.

But Mr. Pillai declined to categorically rule out the possibility of Messi and his team visiting in March, noting that the matter was “beyond his control”. He emphasised, however, that both the sponsor and the Kerala Sports Minister were “behind arranging” the visit.