Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow: Layout, Capacity, Facilities, Tickets

Often called the most beautiful cricket stadium in India, the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is a modern architectural showpiece. Since opening in 2017, it has quickly risen from a new venue to a regular host of international matches. It serves as the home ground of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and is one of the key venues for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

With its clean bowl shape and pillar-less structure, Ekana offers one of the best viewing experiences in the country. It feels spacious, organized, and thoughtfully designed.

1. Stadium Layout and Architecture

Ekana Stadium stands out because of its full 360-degree unobstructed view. The architects used a cantilevered roof system that eliminates pillars inside the spectator areas. No blocked sightlines. No awkward angles. Wherever you sit, you see the full field.

The stadium has a symmetrical bowl layout. The design keeps the crowd close enough to create atmosphere while still offering breathing space between rows.

Key Stands and Pavilions

1. South Pavilion

This is considered the “High-Performance” end. It houses the main players’ dressing rooms, the President’s Box, and VVIP lounges. It is also where the teams enter the field.

2. North Pavilion

Home to the massive media center and additional corporate boxes. The press facilities here meet international broadcast standards.

3. East & West Stands

These are general spectator sections, divided into Lower and Upper tiers. They form the bulk of the seating capacity and provide clear, open views of the pitch.

4. Presidential Gallery (North & South)

Located centrally within the pavilions, these sections offer the most luxurious viewing experience, complete with air-conditioned lounges and private catering.

The overall architecture gives Ekana a clean, modern look. It feels like a stadium built for the future rather than inherited from the past.

2. BRSABV Stadium Capacity

Ekana Stadium has a fixed seating capacity of 50,100, making it the fifth-largest cricket stadium in India.

Unlike older grounds where seating can feel cramped, Ekana’s seats are ergonomically designed. There is noticeable legroom. Walkways are wide. Entry and exit points are clearly structured.

The scale of the stadium allows it to host large crowds without feeling chaotic. Even with 50,000 fans inside, movement remains relatively smooth.

3. BRSABV Stadium Gates and Access Points

Ekana is part of the larger Ekana Sportz City complex. Entry is structured to handle large crowds efficiently.

Gate No. 1

Reserved for VIPs, players, and match officials.

Gate No. 2 & 3

Primary entry points for the West and North Stands.

Gate No. 5

Dedicated for differently-abled fans. It provides direct access to specialized seating in Lower Block 1.

Gate Nos. 10–12

Main entry points for the East and South Stands.

Digital scanning systems have been fully integrated, ensuring faster entry during major tournaments like the 2026 T20 World Cup.

4. BRSABV Stadium Modern Facilities

After feedback from the 2023 World Cup, Ekana underwent important upgrades in late 2025 to prepare for IPL 2026 and the T20 World Cup.

Hybrid Pitch Technology

The stadium features nine pitches in the square, made from a mix of red and black soil. In 2025, advanced drainage systems were added. The upgraded surface now allows play to resume within about 30 minutes of heavy rainfall.

Earlier, Ekana was known for slow, low-scoring games. The refreshed square now offers a better balance between bat and ball, especially for T20 cricket.

Floodlights

The stadium uses high-definition LED sports lighting that meets 4K broadcasting standards. The lighting reduces shadows and glare, improving both player visibility and television quality.

Player Amenities

Ekana includes a private gymnasium for LSG, a rehabilitation center, ice baths, and recovery rooms. Dressing areas are spacious and designed to international standards.

Ekana Sportz City Hub

The stadium is part of a larger sports complex that includes an international indoor arena, a football ground, and a luxury hotel. It functions more like a sports township than a standalone venue.

5. BRSABV Stadium Ticket Pricing

One of Ekana’s biggest advantages is affordability compared to cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru.

Here’s a general pricing overview for 2026:

IPL 2026 (Lucknow Super Giants)

• Starting Price: ₹700
• Premium / Corporate Box: ₹16,000+

T20 World Cup 2026 (Group Stage)

• Starting Price: ₹100
• Premium Sections: ₹12,000+

International ODI (Example: India vs Afghanistan)

• Starting Price: ₹600
• Premium: ₹10,000+

Tickets are primarily sold through PayTM Insider for IPL matches and official ICC/BCCI portals for international games. Physical ticket collection is usually arranged at Ekana Mall or the stadium box office.

For high-demand games, early booking is strongly advised.

Prohibited Items and Fan Experience

Security protocols are strict in 2026.

Prohibited Items: Bags, power banks, umbrellas, sticks, outside food, and sharp objects are not allowed. Fans are typically permitted to carry only their phones and wallets.

Drinking Water: Free chilled RO water is available at multiple stalls inside every stand.

Transport and Parking

The stadium is located on Amar Shaheed Path in Lucknow. Metro connectivity is expanding, but currently most fans use match-day shuttle buses from Indira Nagar Metro Station or Charbagh Railway Station.

Extensive parking zones (P1 to P11) surround the stadium. However, four-wheeler parking usually requires a pre-booked pass during IPL matches.

Upcoming Major Events

Ekana remains central to India’s 2026 cricket calendar. After IPL concludes in May, the stadium is scheduled to host a high-profile ODI between India and Afghanistan on June 17, 2026, as part of Afghanistan’s summer tour of India.

The venue continues to attract major fixtures thanks to its infrastructure, capacity, and modern amenities.

Conclusion

Ekana Cricket Stadium represents new-age Indian cricket infrastructure. It combines scale with comfort, technology with design, and crowd capacity with smooth logistics.

It may not carry the century-old legacy of some historic grounds, but it offers something equally valuable — a world-class viewing experience built for modern cricket.

For fans in Lucknow and beyond, Ekana is not just a stadium. It is the future of Indian cricket in concrete and steel.