Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera
The world's largest cricket stadium by capacity, located in Motera, Ahmedabad. A modern landmark for sport and large-scale events.
What It Is
Narendra Modi Stadium is a cricket stadium in Motera, about 7 km north-west of Ahmedabad's centre. It replaced the old Sardar Patel Stadium on the same site. With a capacity of 132,000, it is the largest cricket stadium in the world. The stadium was rebuilt between 2017 and 2020 and is owned by the Gujarat Cricket Association. The redevelopment cost several hundred crore rupees and was completed in 2020. The stadium is named after the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The old stadium on the site hosted its first Test match in 1983.
The stadium hosts international cricket matches, including Tests, ODIs and T20s, as well as domestic tournaments and the Indian Premier League. It also stages non-sporting events such as concerts and cultural programmes. The floodlights and large stands make it visible from a distance across the Sabarmati river. The stadium has a three-tiered structure with a circular shape and a large roof covering most seats. The pitch is a standard cricket oval, and the outfield is grass. The stands are divided into several blocks, each with its own entrance and facilities.
- The stadium is named after the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
- The old stadium on the site hosted its first Test match in 1983.
- The redevelopment cost several hundred crore rupees and was completed in 2020.
What to See
The main attraction is the stadium itself, with its vast seating bowl and modern amenities. The stadium has a museum and a gallery dedicated to Indian cricket history, displaying memorabilia from past matches and famous players. The players' tunnel is decorated with images of cricketing legends. The VIP lounge offers panoramic views of the entire ground. Visitors can also see the indoor practice facilities and the media centre, which are used by teams and broadcasters during matches.
Visitors can take a guided tour of Narendra Modi Stadium on non-match days. The tour typically includes the dressing rooms, the players' tunnel, the VIP areas and the pitch. You can also see the indoor practice facilities and the media centre. Photography is allowed in most areas, but check with the tour guide for restrictions. The tour lasts about one hour and runs at fixed times. Book in advance through the stadium's website or at the ticket counter to secure a spot.
- The stadium has a museum with memorabilia from Indian cricket.
- The players' tunnel is decorated with images of famous cricketers.
- The VIP lounge has views of the entire ground.
How to Get There
Narendra Modi Stadium is in Motera, about 4 km from Ahmedabad airport and 7 km from the city centre. By road, take the Sardar Patel Ring Road or the Sabarmati Riverfront road. The nearest metro station is Motera Stadium on the Red Line of the Ahmedabad Metro. Check the current metro network for the latest routes and frequencies. The metro is a convenient option on match days, as it avoids traffic congestion. From the airport, an auto-rickshaw or app-based cab takes about 15 minutes in light traffic.
From Kalupur railway station, allow 25–30 minutes by road. Parking is available at the stadium for cars and two-wheelers on match days, but spaces fill quickly. On match days, it is better to use the metro or park at a nearby lot and walk. Traffic around the stadium can be heavy for an hour before and after the game. Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs are available from anywhere in the city. Plan your journey to arrive at least an hour before the start of a match to clear security and find your seat.
When to Go and How Long to Allow
The best time to visit Ahmedabad is from November to February, when the weather is warm during the day and cool at night. Cricket matches at Narendra Modi Stadium are scheduled throughout the year, but the peak season is from October to March. Avoid the summer months of April to June, when temperatures often exceed 40 °C. Evening matches with floodlights are more comfortable during the hotter months. The stadium's roof covers most seats, but some sections are uncovered and exposed to the sun.
For a guided tour of Narendra Modi Stadium, allow about one hour. For a match, plan to arrive at least an hour before the start to clear security and find your seat. A full day match can last six to eight hours, while a T20 match takes about three to four hours. Evening matches with floodlights may finish late. Carry a hat and sunscreen for day matches, as the stands are uncovered in some sections. Check the schedule in advance and buy tickets early for major matches, as they sell out quickly.
Nearby Sights
Narendra Modi Stadium is close to the Sabarmati Riverfront, which has promenades and gardens on both banks. The Atal Bridge, a footbridge, is about 2 km south. The Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1930, is about 5 km south-east. The ashram has a museum and is free to enter. The ashram is open every day except Monday. Combine a visit to the stadium with the ashram and the riverfront for a half-day trip.
Other nearby attractions include the Calico Museum of Textiles in Shahibaug (about 6 km), which requires a booked guided tour. The walled city of Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is about 7 km south-east, with its pols, havelis and mosques. Kankaria Lake, a 15th-century lake with a park and zoo, is about 8 km east. The Adalaj stepwell, about 18 km north, is a five-storey stepwell completed in 1498. These sights can be visited on separate days or combined with a longer stay in Ahmedabad.
Practical Tips
Dress comfortably and modestly when visiting Narendra Modi Stadium. Cotton clothes are best in the warm months. For matches, wear team colours if you like, but avoid anything that could be seen as offensive. Shoes are fine; you will walk up stairs to the stands. Security checks are thorough: do not carry large bags, sharp objects or liquids. Bags may be searched. Arrive early to avoid queues. The stadium has multiple gates; check your ticket for the correct gate number. Keep your ticket and ID handy.
The stadium has food and drink stalls inside, but prices can be high. You can bring your own water in a clear plastic bottle. Outside food is generally not allowed. Photography is allowed with phones and small cameras, but professional equipment may require permission. On match days, the crowd can be loud and enthusiastic. Follow the instructions of the security staff at all times. There are several hotels in Motera, Chandkheda and the nearby areas of Sabarmati and Hansol. The airport area also has many accommodation options. Book in advance on match days.
