The Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) has decided to include Goa as one of its 45 fan park centres across the country by starting a fan park in Goa for the two weekend IPL matches this season.
Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the eight teams to feature in Goa.
“The idea of starting the fan park in Goa is to bring the stadium experience to people in Goa who are unable to make it to the stadium. Apart from being able to watch the games on big screens, the concept of fan parks is for the people to feel that they are in the stadium to cheer their teams,” stated GCA President Vipul Phadke while addressing the media.
“The fan park in Goa will host the Chennai Super King and Mumbai Indians match and Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore match on May 6, and on Sunday, the matches between Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, and thereafter the Rajasthan Royals versus Sunrisers Hyderabad,” stated Anant Datai, the BCCI manager of cricket operations.
“The concept of a fan park is to help families bond through sports. The ambience created is to help families and friends spend quality time together that can help enhance personal lives while watching and cheering your team play,” explained Anant.
“Entry to the fan park is free and areas have been designated for children. Everyone attending will be offered a free Mumbai Indian jersey. Plus, there will be a ticket to the final match given to the most innovative fan of the evening,” disclosed Vipul.
The fan park will open at 1.30 pm for the first match, but the organisers are expecting to see a crowd of over three thousand later through the evening. “We expect people to come late, after work,” stated Vipul.
“IPL has a huge fan following in Goa and I am sure the concept of a fan park will just add more colour to the enthusiasm of fans,” stated GCA secretary Rohan Gauns Desai.
The fan park is to be held on the open ground adjacent to the service road, next to GCA.
