Since 2021, Narendra Modi Stadium (also known as the Motera Stadium) has been officially crowned as the world’s largest stadium. After renovations in 2020 that cost $100 million dollars, the stadium surpassed the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the stadium that can accommodate the highest number of spectators. The stadium attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators a year and has gotten significant attention from visitors. Traveling to India may spark ideas to visit the Taj Mahal and similar popular tourist attractions, but India has plenty of other worthy attractions, like the great Motera Stadium that can be a fun bucket list destination.
Stadium Location
Near Sabarmati River, the Motera Stadium is situated in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The location on the outskirts of Ahmedabad and the Sabarmati River is a prime location for the stadium due to the tourism hub in that area.
Specs And Unique Qualities
Motera Stadium has many unique features, like its multiple entrances. It has four major entry points, which helps with spatial management and crowd control. It is recommended that visitors plan to enter the stadium through gate two since it is within walking distance to public transportation. The parking space also was built with intention, so that those visiting the stadium can comfortably go to and from the stadium. 3,000 cars and 10,000 two wheelers (like scooters or bikes) can park in the surrounding 18 parking zones around the stadium. There is also a cricket academy which can house 40 athletes within the stadium dormitory.
Stadium Size
The stadium has a seating capacity of up to 132,000 spectators. In comparison to a well known stadium like Madison Square Garden which has a seating capacity of 19,500, the Motera Stadium is massive. The field size of the stadium is 180 yards by 150 yards and it spans 63 acres. The other stadiums rated as the top 10 largest stadiums in the world have a capacity for over 100,000 people (which is enough people for a small city), so the scale of the Motera Stadium is a fascinating sight for tourists.
Events At The Stadium
As the largest stadium in the world, the Motera Stadium has plenty of space for varying events to be held at the venue. Since the stadium was especially built for cricket, the stadium mainly hosts cricket matches and is in the process of preparing to host the higher profile games like the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The stadium is owned by the Gujarat Cricket Association, which ensures that the venue meets high quality standards. Visitors can enjoy these standards by booking a trip and seeing a match or the occasional concert. The average price for tickets at the stadium ranges from INR 500 to INR 5000 (around $6 to $60).
Ahmedabad has become a sports tourism hot spot in recent years, so the area is primed for high volumes of visitors.
Places To Stay Nearby
Unfamiliar visitors of the Ahmedabad area will appreciate the ease that local hotels provide. With affordable places to stay nearby, it is undeniably feasible to enjoy a visit to the largest stadium in the world.
Hotel Karnavati Chandkhera
This hotel is only 0.7 miles from the Motera Stadium. It provides free parking, air conditioning, free wifi, airport shuttle service, has an outdoor pool and is ADA accessible. For a deluxe room that has a double bed, expect to pay around $22 a night.
Hotel Sigma Inn
Just around the corner is the Hotel Sigma Inn which offers additional amenities. This hotel has a car rental service and a local shuttle on site, which is convenient for travelers not from the area. 24-hour front desk assistance is available to guests of the Hotel Sigma Inn, all for the price of around $18 a night.
Hotel Royal King
This hotel is closest to the airport and provides a higher scale experience for its guests. With room service, a restaurant and many other amenities, Hotel Royal King will have visitors living as kings and queens for around $30 a night.
How To Get To The Largest Stadium In The World
By Road
With the high volume of visitors in the area due to sports tourism, the roads may be filled with locals and tourists alike. Although the roads are more well developed than other areas, the bus services are recommended for tourists, which can be organized by hotels.
By Railway
Travel by train is very popular in India so there is a national railway circuit. On the western side of the Sabarmati River is the Gandhigram station where visitors can buy railway tickets.
By Air
Ahmedabad’s own Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport is a popular touch down point for most of its tourists. With domestic and international flights to and from the UK, USA, Dubai, Singapore and other destinations, it can accommodate high volumes of travelers.
