Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad)

Narendra Modi Stadium, located in the Motera neighborhood of Ahmedabad, is a titan of modern sports architecture and the largest cricket stadium in the world. Rebuilt entirely on the site of the former Motera Stadium and inaugurated in 2021, it represents the new face of Indian cricket’s global dominance. It serves as the home ground for the Gujarat Titans (IPL) and the Gujarat Cricket Team. The stadium is famous for its staggering capacity of 132,000 and its state-of-the-art facilities, including LED floodlighting and world-class player amenities. As the venue for the 2023 ICC World Cup Final, it has quickly become the ultimate stage for the sport’s most high-stakes encounters.

🏗️ History and Design

Originally built in 1982, the stadium was completely demolished in 2015 and reconstructed as a futuristic arena designed by the renowned architectural firm Populous.

Massive Scale: The stadium’s circular design ensures unobstructed views from every seat. Its two-tier structure is engineered to provide a sense of proximity to the pitch despite its record-breaking size.
The Pitch: The venue features 11 different pitches made of both red and black soil, allowing for a variety of playing conditions—from spin-friendly tracks to those favoring pace and bounce.
Modern Lighting: Unlike traditional stadiums with towers, this venue uses a ring of LED lights around the roof (the “Ring of Fire” effect), which eliminates shadows and provides superior visibility for day-night matches.
Elite Infrastructure: The stadium is unique in having four dressing rooms and a built-in clubhouse with 55 rooms, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and a 3D projector theater.

📍 Key Information

Official Name: Narendra Modi Stadium
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India (Motera)
Opened: 2021 (Originally 1982)
Capacity: 132,000
Primary Tenants: Gujarat Titans (IPL), Gujarat Cricket Team (Domestic)
Address: Stadium Rd, Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380005, India

Contents

🏆 Major Events Hosted

Narendra Modi Stadium has already hosted some of the most significant events in modern geopolitical and sporting history. 🏆

2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final: The stadium hosted the climactic final between India and Australia, drawing a global audience of billions.
2022 IPL Final: The venue set a Guinness World Record for the highest attendance at a T20 match during the final between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals.
Namaste Trump: In 2020, before its official sporting inauguration, it hosted the “Namaste Trump” event during the visit of the U.S. President.
Historic Test Matches: It was the site of the first-ever Day/Night Test match between India and England in 2021, which concluded in just two days.

🚆 Getting to Narendra Modi Stadium

Located in the northern part of Ahmedabad, the stadium is well-connected by the city’s rapidly expanding infrastructure. 🚆

By Public Transport (Metro): The Motera Stadium Metro Station (North-South Corridor) is the most efficient way to reach the ground. It is located just a few hundred meters from the main entrance.
By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) is only 8–10 km away. A taxi or app-based cab (Uber/Ola) typically takes 20–30 minutes to reach the venue.
By Train: The stadium is approximately 11 km from the Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) railway station. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are readily available.
By Foot: On match days, the final kilometer to the stadium is often restricted to pedestrians only. Be prepared for a significant walk through the security checkpoints.
Parking: While the stadium has vast parking facilities, they are often reserved for VVIPs or pre-booked passes during major international events. Public transport is highly recommended.

🎟️ Tickets & Tours at Narendra Modi Stadium

Tickets

Tickets for IPL and International matches are exclusively sold through Paytm Insider or BookMyShow. Given the massive capacity, tickets are generally more accessible than at smaller venues, though high-demand games like India-Pakistan or IPL finals sell out instantly. Physical ticket collection points are usually set up at the nearby police stadium or other designated hubs. 🎫

Tours

The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) offers organized stadium tours on non-match days. Visitors can explore the dressing rooms, the presidential suites, and the Hall of Fame museum. It is advisable to book these through the official GCA portal.

🏨 Where to Stay Near Narendra Modi Stadium

Most fans choose to stay in the newer parts of Ahmedabad or along the Sabarmati Riverfront.

Ashram Road / Riverfront: Offers a range of business and luxury hotels with easy metro access to the stadium.
- Example: Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, Fortune Select, or Lemon Tree Hotel.
SG Highway: A modern district with numerous high-end hotels, malls, and restaurants, roughly 20-30 minutes from Motera.
Old City: For those wanting a heritage experience, though travel to the stadium will take longer.

💡 Know Before You Go

Security Protocol: Security is extremely stringent. No bags, power banks, earphones, or water bottles are allowed inside. Only phones and wallets are generally permitted.
Hydration: Given Ahmedabad’s intense heat, staying hydrated is crucial. Free water stations are usually available inside the stadium concourses.
Gujarati Hospitality: Take the opportunity to try local street food like Khaman or Fafda at the many stalls lining the approach to the stadium.
Atmosphere: With 132,000 fans, the noise level is unprecedented. Be prepared for a high-decibel, high-energy environment that can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.