Coimbatore Cricket Stadium: When Will This Project Be Ready? Completion Date, Seating Capacity, Budget

Coimbatore is set to witness the rise of a world-class cricket stadium as the Tamil Nadu government finalises the design and operational framework for the much-anticipated sports facility. Planned to be constructed in Ondipudur, just 9 km from Coimbatore International Airport, the stadium aims to be a landmark in western Tamil Nadu's sports infrastructure.

Spread across 30 acres, the stadium will feature a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators and boast seven cricket pitches. The playing field will extend 140 metres from north to south and 170 metres from east to west, with boundary distances ranging between 60 and 75 metres, depending on the format and requirements of individual matches, according to a report in The Times of India.

Inspired by Perth's Optus Stadium

The architectural design draws inspiration from Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia - a multi-purpose venue known for hosting top-level cricket, football, and live entertainment events. Likewise, the Coimbatore stadium will be built as a multi-use facility that supports not only day and night cricket matches but also concerts, large public gatherings, and other non-sporting events.

State-of-the-Art Drainage & Amenities

The report notes that a key feature of the project is the sub-air drainage system, similar to the one at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium. Capable of removing 10,000 litres of water per minute, the vacuum-assisted system will help dry the ground within 20 minutes of rain stoppage, ensuring minimal disruption to matches and events.

The stadium will also include lower and upper stands, digital display boards, a jogging track, and a swimming pool, making it a modern, multi-functional sports and leisure complex, the report added.

Operational Model and Revenue Plans

In a meeting held on May 13, involving the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Collage Design, and Knight Frank Pvt Ltd, key decisions were made regarding stadium usage and management.

• TNCA will oversee cricket-related matters, including pitch maintenance.
• A separate contractor, under SDAT, will manage non-sporting events, creating a dual revenue stream - government earnings from events, and TNCA's revenue from cricket fixtures.

Officials noted that while 30,000 is the planned seating capacity, some seats may be covered during international matches for technical requirements such as black screens.
Approvals and Timeline

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the site in February, clearing the path for tendering and construction. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹500 crore, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The blueprint is currently being prepared for submission to the Chief Minister for final approval.

Once completed, this stadium could become one of Tamil Nadu's premier sporting venues and a symbol of Coimbatore's emergence as a key hub for international-standard infrastructure in the state.