M Chinnaswamy Stadium set for major overhaul, KSCA eyes 20,000-seat expansion

Published - 07 Apr 2026, 17:07 IST | Updated - 07 Apr 2026, 17:29 IST

Plans are in motion to revamp the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) initiating a long-term redevelopment project aimed at boosting capacity and elevating fan experience at Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home ground.

The development comes after KSCA officials, led by president Venkatesh Prasad, held discussions with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar. The proposal includes increasing the stadium’s current seating capacity of around 34,000 by an additional 20,000 seats.

Despite the scale of the plan, no fixed timeline has been finalised yet, with Prasad acknowledging the complexity of the process.

“We haven’t set a timeline for completing the renovation because it’s a lengthy procss.  We have to invite bids and hold multiple meetings to secure various approvals. It will take considerable time. But we are determined to transform the stadium, hopefully during my tenure,” told Deccan Herald..

Prasad emphasised that the revamp is not a sudden decision but a long-cherished vision focused on improving the fan experience.

"It’s not that I’ve come into office now and want to make changes immediately. I’ve been thinking about this for the last 10 years. Even when I was pursuing my MBA in International Sports Management, I kept coming back to one thing, the spectators. They are our biggest stakeholders, yet they have little say. The game is what it is because of them, and the least we can do is provide the best possible match experience at the stadium,” he continued.

Highlighting the need for modernisation, Prasad pointed out that the stadium, built in the 1970s, must evolve with the rapid growth of Bengaluru.

“The stadium is, of course, quite old. With due respect to those who built it, it needs to evolve. It was constructed in the 1970s with perhaps a vision for the next 50 years. But Bengaluru has grown beyond anyone’s imagination, so everything must evolve accordingly,” he opined.

He also cited upgrades at venues like Wankhede Stadium, Eden Gardens, and M. A. Chidambaram Stadium as examples, stressing that it is time for Chinnaswamy to follow suit.

“So many facilities at the stadium look temporary and inadequate at the moment. Commentators’ boxes, spectator amenities… All that needs to change, and that’s the only constant,” he concluded.

RCB led by Rajat Patidar are the reigning champions of the IPL, and have won both of their IPL 2026 matches, hosted by Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.