Mangaluru: Cricket fans in the coastal city are set to witness a stadium-like IPL experience as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the organisation of the ‘TATA IPL Fan Park’ in Mangaluru during the IPL Play-offs and Final matches.
The event will be held at the Karavali Utsav Grounds at Lalbagh on Martin Pais Road, where cricket enthusiasts can gather to watch live screenings of the high-voltage IPL matches on giant mega screens free of cost.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club, BCCI representative Vikas Pandit said elaborate arrangements have been made to recreate the excitement and atmosphere of a live cricket stadium for fans in the city.
IPL Play-offs and Final to be screened live
According to organisers, the IPL Play-off match scheduled for May 29 and the IPL Final on May 31 will be screened live at the venue.
Entry for the public will remain completely free on both days, with gates opening from 5.30 pm onwards.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at allowing cricket lovers who may not be able to attend matches in stadiums to enjoy the thrill of IPL action in a festive environment alongside fellow fans.
The event is expected to attract large crowds from Mangaluru and neighbouring districts, especially considering the massive popularity of the IPL among youth and families.
Fan Parks organised across 50 cities
Vikas Pandit stated that the TATA IPL Fan Parks are being organised in 50 major cities across the country as part of the BCCI’s nationwide fan engagement initiative.
Apart from live match screenings, the venue in Mangaluru will also feature music performances, entertainment activities and interactive games organised by official sponsors.
Visitors can also enjoy food stalls, beverages and dedicated IPL merchandise counters during the event.
Organisers said the fan parks are designed to provide spectators with an immersive cricket-viewing experience similar to watching matches inside a packed stadium.
Growing popularity of IPL Fan Parks
According to Pandit, the craze and response for IPL Fan Parks have increased significantly this season compared to previous editions.
He said more than 10 lakh cricket fans across India are expected to participate in Fan Park celebrations this year, highlighting the growing popularity of the concept among IPL followers.
The BCCI representative noted that such initiatives help strengthen the connection between cricket fans and the tournament while creating a festival-like atmosphere in cities that do not host IPL matches directly.
Fans urged to participate in large numbers
Pandit appealed to cricket fans from across the coastal region to attend the event in large numbers and support their favourite teams and players during the IPL Play-offs and Final.
He expressed confidence that the Mangaluru Fan Park would emerge as one of the major crowd attractions in Karnataka during the IPL season.
With giant screens, entertainment zones and cricket fever set to grip the Karavali Utsav Grounds this weekend, the IPL Fan Park is expected to offer cricket lovers in the region a memorable celebration of India’s biggest T20 tournament.