VCA Stadium – simply world class

Nagpur: Don’t be surprised if the list of best cricket stadiums in the world will have the name of Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) among the top bracket. The association’s dream project at Jamtha is ready to host international cricketing action with India and Australia taking field from November 6.

Spread over an area of 32 acres the sprawling stadium and club house was completed in three years.

It’s a brainchild of Adv Shashank Manohar, BCCI President, who also heads VCA. Manohar had vowed to give the city a new, world-class stadium and he has realised his promise.

The project, built by eminent Design & Construction Company, M/s Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Ltd, Mumbai, was supposed to be over by August 2007 but the designs underwent a lot of changes extending the time period.

Manohar said they had to alter a lot of designs keeping in mind the comfort of players and public alike. The entire stadium has more facilities including large-size coloured seats. With the new designs the Rs 75 crore stadium has a capacity to accommodate 45,000 people.

From the centre of the ground that has lush green Bermuda grass spread over 85 yards, the towering stands covered with roofs gives one the feel of standing in a mammoth coliseum. The ground has four wickets. The approach road too has been widened and all issues related to its connectivity have been resolved.

A total of 40 air-conditioned corporate boxes with 15 seats each and VIP galleries with separate foyers have already been sold out.

The players’ dressing rooms, situated on the first floor at the south end, are huge each consisting of a sit-out, a gym, a medical room and lunch room. A staircase leads the players straight into the ground. Decked up by wooden furnishing the dressing rooms provide a spectacular picture.

Just behind the dressing room are four practice wickets with box nets.

An air-conditioned stand with 3000 capacity has been specially designed for members.

Adjacent to the stadium is the club house built on an area of 50,000 sq.ft. It has all modern amenities under one roof. The 7000 sq.ft banquet hall is equipped with 40 air conditioners. The spacious 62,000 sq.ft. lawn is to host parties.

Oasis, the air-conditioned multicuisine restaurant, serves delicious Indian and continental food at distinctively minimal rates. Same is the case in The Watering Hole, the spacious bar.

Twenty luxurious rooms of 400 sq.ft. each on two floors with plush interiors and four suites add to the glory.

The gymnasium has been furnished with the latest equipment. Two wooden badminton courts, a table tennis hall, two squash courts, two billiards tables cater to the sports buffs while for those having an ace up their sleeves the card room is fully functional.

The Olympic-standard swimming pool too is ready with a small lawn adjacent to it for dining purpose.