Sector 17, Chandigarh football stadium on verge of completion

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 4

Under construction since 2018, the Sector 17 football stadium is likely to be handed over to the UT Sports Department in May.

Though the beautification of the entire arena is yet to be completed, main structure of the stadium is said to be ready for use. As per the actual plan, the new stadium is spread over nearly six acres, instead of the old four acres. The direction of the football pitch is also being changed.

In the first phase, besides the football stadium, a multipurpose ground, badminton courts, and a cycling and skating park was to be built. A live screen of 25x16m, open skating & cycle rink and amphitheatre (open-air venue for entertainment) were also part of the actual plan.

“Right now, the stadium is ready and an underpass to the Sector 17 Plaza is under construction. Work on other things is yet to start,” said a source.

While discussing about the stadium, he said: “The infrastructure has been raised and the technical work, including rooting of grass and installation and painting of goalposts, is yet to be completed. The arena is likely to be handed over to the Sports Department within a month or so.”

It is for the first time after 1960 that the stadium is undergoing a major construction. The arena is closed for trainees and players since 2018. The new stadium is spread over nearly six acres, instead of the existing four acres. As per the approved plan, the direction of the football stadium is also changed. It was announced to construct this stadium as per the international standards with pavilion, sitting arena, open space, a video screen, sprinklers and solar panel.

The Administration had also announced to convert the surroundings into sports hub by adding facilities for badminton, basketball, cycling and skating, which are yet to see the light of the day, said a source.

Main structure ready for use

Though the beautification of the entire arena is yet to be completed, the main structure of the stadium is said to be ready for use. As per the actual plan, the new stadium is spread over nearly six acres, instead of the old four acres. The direction of the football pitch is also being changed.

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