PM Palem stadium in Visakhapatnam gets a ₹40 crore makeover ahead of IPL matches

Dr YSR ACA VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam gets a ₹40 crore makeover ahead of IPL matches.

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Visakhapatnam, the Dr YSR ACA VDCA International Cricket Stadium at PM Palem, sports a brand new look. The stadium has got renovated by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) in a record time of around two months, with a budget of around ₹40 crore.

Right from the entrance arch, the entire building was elevated with new design. Among the major upgradations include the floodlights. The old halogen lights were replaced with LED lights for which the authorities have spent nearly ₹9.5 crore. As per the ACA officials, the players have complained of rise in heat during day/night matches due to the halogen lights. The new LED lights will not only conserve electricity, but also reduce heat during play. The ACA officials focussed on sanitation. Earlier, there were only 54 toilets in the entire ground, now the number was enhanced with the construction of 250 new toilets.

Player dressing rooms were completely upgraded with seating and air-conditioning system, to ensure better refreshing experience to the players. The four lifts/elevators were enhanced and now they can carry about 64 persons. The interiors of the stadium were revamped with new sports designs. Illumination, air-condition and firefighting sprinklers were upgraded. The seating in the stadium was modernised, while the media box and commentary box were also renovated. Following the demand from the Delhi Capitals franchise, VIP boxes were increased in the stadium.

It may be remembered that the ACA took up these works as part of first phase of renovation. The second phase will include some more development works.

The stadium was constructed during the year 2003 and hosted its first One Day International (ODI) cricket match during 2005. So far, the stadium has hosted 11 ODIs, three tests and three T20s. It has also served second homeground to Mumbai Indians, Rising Pune Supergiants and now to Delhi Capitals.

Delhi Capitals will be facing Lucknow Supergiants on March 24 at 7.30 p.m. In the second match to be held at the stadium, DC will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30.