Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: Layout, Capacity, Facilities, Tickets
The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam — often simply called the Vizag Stadium — is one of India’s most scenic coastal cricket venues. Nestled between the lush Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary and the Simhachalam Hill Range, the stadium offers a rare mix of greenery and sea breeze.
Known for its batting-friendly surfaces and the subtle influence of coastal winds, it has quickly grown into a major cricketing hub. As of early 2026, the stadium has completed a ₹40 crore modernization drive and recently hosted its ninth international match in just four months, including the T20I against New Zealand on January 28, 2026.
1. Stadium Layout and Architecture
The stadium follows a clean two-tier design. One of its key strengths is the elimination of obstructive pillars and columns inside the spectator sections. Every seat offers a clear line of sight.
The bowl shape feels compact but not cramped. The upper tier sits close enough to maintain intensity, while the lower tier gives fans a near-boundary experience.
The sea breeze often drifts into the ground during late afternoons and evenings. This adds movement for swing bowlers early on but usually settles into a batting paradise under lights.
Iconic Stands and Ends
Mithali Raj Stand
Inaugurated in October 2025, this stand honors the legendary former India captain. It marks a proud recognition of women’s cricket in Andhra Pradesh.
MSK Prasad & Venugopal Rao Stands
Named after former local players who represented India at the highest level. These stands carry strong regional pride.
Vizzy End & DV Subba Rao End
The two official bowling ends of the ground. Conditions can vary slightly depending on wind direction.
Hill End & Pavilion End
Locals often use these identifiers, referencing the natural Eastern Ghats backdrop behind one side of the stadium.
The architecture feels modern without being oversized. It blends naturally with the surrounding hills.
2. Capacity
Current Capacity: Approximately 27,500 to 28,000 spectators.
Though smaller than many metro stadiums, the compact design ensures a lively atmosphere. Crowd noise travels well inside the bowl.
Future Expansion
The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has ongoing proposals to expand capacity to around 36,000 seats. The aim is to accommodate growing IPL demand and more international fixtures.
Given the recent surge in matches hosted, expansion appears likely in the coming years.
3. Gates and Entry Points
Entry management has improved significantly following the recent renovation.
Raavi Kalpana Gate
Named in late 2025 after the former India and Andhra wicketkeeper-batter. Located near the home dressing room.
Gate No. 1 (RVVK Prasad Gate)
Primary entrance for VVIPs, players, and match officials.
Gates 2–5
Main access points for general ticket holders. These gates distribute crowd flow across various tiers to prevent congestion.
Location
The stadium is situated in Pothinamallayya Palem (PM Palem), around 10–12 km from Visakhapatnam city center. It is well connected via city buses and taxis running along the National Highway.
Match-day traffic can build up near the approach roads, so early arrival is advisable.
4. Modern Facilities in Stadium
The 2025–2026 renovation phase transformed the stadium into a high-tech venue.
LED Lighting
Old halogen floodlights were replaced with a ₹9.5 crore LED lighting system. The new lights reduce on-field heat and support high-definition 4K broadcast quality.
Night matches now look sharper, with minimal glare for fielders.
Enhanced Sanitation
Fan feedback led to a major sanitation overhaul. The number of toilets increased dramatically from 54 to 250 across the stadium.
This upgrade has significantly improved the match-day experience.
Hospitality Expansion
The stadium now includes 34 luxury VIP boxes. Player dressing rooms have been modernized with improved climate control and recovery areas.
Corporate hospitality options have expanded to accommodate sponsors and high-profile guests.
Vertical Circulation
Four high-capacity elevators were installed, each capable of transporting up to 64 people at once. This helps elderly spectators and reduces congestion between tiers.
Digital Ticketing
The ACA partnered with the ‘District’ app (by Zomato) to streamline ticket sales and digital entry. QR-based scanning has reduced queue times significantly.
5. Ticket Pricing
Ticket prices for the 2026 international calendar and IPL fixtures are structured to balance accessibility and premium demand.
General Gallery
- Starting Price: ₹1,200
- Upper Premium Range: ₹2,500
Mid-Tier (Upper / Lower)
- Starting Price: ₹2,500
- Upper Premium Range: ₹4,000
Semi-Hospitality
- Starting Price: ₹5,000
- Premium Range: ₹10,000
VVIP / Corporate Boxes
- Starting Price: ₹15,000
- Premium Range: ₹18,000+
High-profile matches, particularly against top-tier international teams, see faster sellouts.
Tickets are typically sold online through official platforms and partner apps.
6. Prohibited Items and Fan Guidelines
Security protocols align with BCCI and ICC standards.
Strictly Prohibited: Backpacks, power banks, outside food and water, coins, lighters, umbrellas, and professional cameras.
Allowed: Mobile phones, wallets, and physical or digital tickets.
Network Tip
During peak attendance, mobile data may slow down. It is advisable to download digital tickets in advance or carry a physical copy.
2026 Season Outlook
Having hosted nine international matches within four months, the Vizag stadium has proven its reliability and readiness.
Its coastal setting, improved infrastructure, and batter-friendly pitch make it attractive for T20 and ODI formats. Expansion plans suggest even bigger events may soon follow.
Conclusion
The ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam represents steady growth rather than flashy scale. It combines natural beauty, technical upgrades, and strong regional identity.
With modern lighting, improved sanitation, digital ticketing, and expansion plans underway, it has firmly established itself as one of India’s most promising cricket venues.
For players and fans alike, Vizag offers something special — cricket played against hills and sea breeze, backed by smart infrastructure.
