Namaste, dear readers! Allow me to weave you a tale from the heartland of Odisha. Picture this: a young lad, ball in hand, sprinting across a field, his dreams as vast as the skies above. That very field, dear friends, is the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. It isn’t just a ground; it’s where dreams take flight, where aspirations meet reality. Many from our beloved land, whether from bustling cities or quiet villages, have sat in its stands, felt the thrill of a match, or dreamt of playing there one day. Ah, Kalinga Stadium! More than just brick and turf, it’s a place of emotions, memories, and stories that bind us all. So, chalo! Let’s embark on this journey and delve deep into the charm of this iconic Odishan landmark.

History

Let’s take a moment to soak in the legacy of a true gem of Bhubaneswar, Odisha – our very own Kalinga Stadium.

Laying its First Stone: Our beloved former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik, blessed the ground of this stadium with its foundation stone back in 1978.

Grand Opening: And without much ado, the grand stadium threw open its gates to the world in the same year, 1978.

Seating and Capacity: With the capability to host a bustling crowd, the Kalinga Stadium boasts a seating arrangement for a whopping 15,000 spectators.

Home Sweet Home: Talk about football and hockey, and Kalinga has been the nurturing home! Since 2019, the Indian Super League club, Odisha FC, has been calling it home. Not to forget, from 2018 to 2022, the I-League club Indian Arrows also played here. And then, how can one forget? It’s the proud playground for the India men’s and women’s national field hockey teams, India national football team, and our spirited Odisha Hockey Team, football team, and the women’s football brigade.

To sum it up, Kalinga Stadium isn’t just another stadium; it’s a repository of memories, a beacon in Indian sports, a place that has seen myriad sporting events, cultural galas, and vibrant concerts. It stands tall, representing Indian zest and zeal, beckoning visitors from across the globe. Truly a treasure in Odisha’s crown!

Facilities and Amenities

Let’s take a stroll inside our pride, the Kalinga Stadium, situated in the very heart of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This majestic arena isn’t just a place; it’s an emotion for countless Indians.

Facilities

• Athletics Track: At Kalinga, you’ll find an impressive 8-lane synthetic track, perfect for our budding athletes.
• Football Pitch: For the love of football, the stadium proudly sports a lush green natural turf pitch.
• Field Hockey Pitch: Now here’s a special treat – Kalinga boasts of India’s very first Olympic standard pink and blue water-based AstroTurf. Quite a sight to behold!
• Tennis Courts: For our tennis enthusiasts, the stadium has dedicated courts.
• Table Tennis: Yes, we’ve got that covered too! A dedicated space for table tennis lovers.
• Basketball and Volleyball Courts: Be it shooting hoops or smashing a volley, Kalinga is well-prepared.
• Swimming Pool: Dive in and feel refreshed in our swimming pool.
• Wall Climbing: For the adventurous lot, the stadium also offers wall climbing.
• Seating: A massive expanse that can warmly accommodate 15,000 spectators, ensuring no moment goes unnoticed.

Amenities

• Floodlights: To ensure the action never stops, Kalinga is equipped with bright floodlights.
• Scoreboards: Keeping the scores and spirits high with our digital scoreboards.
• Dressing Rooms: Well-maintained spaces for our athletes to prep up.
• High-Performance Centers: For those who aim to touch the skies in their respective sports.
• Multipurpose Halls: Not just sports, but in times of need, the stadium’s indoor halls stand ready as disaster shelters.

The vast Kalinga Stadium isn’t just bricks and turf; it’s a testament to India’s commitment to sports, culture, and community. Truly a jewel in Odisha’s crown!

Location

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUximGjGZnbQbhWn7

How To Get There

Let me guide you on the best ways to reach this iconic landmark.

By Bus:

Suppose you wish to experience the local vibes of Bhubaneswar. In that case, hop onto the Line 10 bus from the SAIL Office, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself right at the Kalinga Stadium Gate-8.

By Car:

For those who prefer the comfort of their own vehicle, you can easily drive to the Kalinga Stadium. And worry not! There’s ample parking space around. For the tech-savvy, apps like Waze are your best friend to get real-time directions, considering our city’s traffic.

On Foot:

If you’re nearby and enjoy a good walk, why not simply stroll down to the stadium? The sights and sounds of Bhubaneswar will surely add to your experience.

By Entry Pass:

For a seamless visit, consider applying for an entry pass to Kalinga Stadium. Just head over to the official portal: portal.sportsodisha.gov.in and follow the steps.

How to Get Kalinga Stadium Tickets

Let me guide you on how to secure your entry. Acquiring tickets is a straightforward process, and here are your options:

Kalinga Stadium Portal:

Planning a visit? The most direct way is through the Kalinga Stadium Portal itself. This online portal offers a systematic guide to help you apply for your entry pass. Simply punch in your mobile number, and you’re good to start the process. And in case of any hiccups or queries, don’t hesitate! Just drop an email to the stadium authorities, and they’ll be there to assist you.

Ticket Prices:

Now, ticket prices at our Kalinga Stadium may vary based on the events lined up. So, it’s always a good idea to peek at the official website or give a quick call to the venue for the latest rates.

Official Sellers:

For the best deals, consider checking out Koobit. This platform showcases tickets from official sellers, ensuring you get the most value for your rupee.

So, there you have it! Securing your entry to the iconic Kalinga Stadium is as easy as laddoos. Hope to see you there soon, enjoying the best of Odisha’s sports and culture!

Major Events Hosted There

The stadium has echoed with the cheers of thousands, witnessed thrilling victories, and held moments of sheer passion. Here’s a glimpse of the grand events that this iconic venue has embraced over the years:

1. Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in 2014 – Oh, what a spectacle it was!
2. The grandeur of the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017 – Truly a sight to behold!
3. Men’s Hockey World Cup of 2018 – The energy in the stadium was electric!
4. Men’s FIH Pro League in 2019 – Hockey at its finest.
5. The thrilling matches of the Indian Super League, 2019-2020.
6. Pro Kabaddi League of 2019 – When the mat became a battlefield!
7. Men’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in 2019 – The road to the Olympics passed through our Kalinga!
8. The spirited Khelo India University Games in 2020.
9. The competitive matches of the Men’s FIH Hockey Pro League in 2020.
10. And, the recent Men’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in 2021 – The future of hockey shining bright!

This list showcases just a fraction of the magic that unfolds at the Kalinga Stadium. The venue stands tall, inviting more such memorable moments in the coming years. Hope to see you there, joining in the celebrations!

Upcoming Events 

Here are some of the upcoming events at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India:

• October 14, 2023: Odisha FC vs. NorthEast United FC (Indian Super League)
• October 22, 2023: Odisha FC vs. Bengaluru FC (Indian Super League)
• November 4, 2023: Odisha FC vs. Hyderabad FC (Indian Super League)
• November 19, 2023: Odisha FC vs. Mumbai City FC (Indian Super League)
• December 2, 2023: Odisha FC vs. Kerala Blasters FC (Indian Super League)

Other Sports Played There

Kalinga Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It has facilities for a variety of sports, including:

• Athletics
• Cricket
• Field hockey
• Football
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Table tennis
• Badminton
• Volleyball
• Wall climbing
• Swimming

The stadium is home to the Odisha FC football team, which plays in the Indian Super League. It has also hosted a number of major international sporting events, including the 2014 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy and the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup.

Hotels Nearby

Here are some hotels I found near Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar:

• Greenland Premium Hotel – Rs\xa03,729 per night
• OYO Seven Inn – Rs\xa03,306 per night
• The Presidency Hotel In Bhubaneswar – Rs\xa013,388 per night
• Hotel Sidharth – Rs\xa011,494 per night
• Woodsvilla Hotel & Banquet – Rs\xa05,698 per night

As our tale comes to a close, let’s carry with us the essence of this sacred ground. Every brick, every blade of grass, and every echoing cheer in this arena tells a tale of passion, of dreams nurtured, and milestones achieved. From the young lad with a ball in his hand to the seasoned players who’ve graced its fields, Kalinga has witnessed dreams unfold and legends being born. As we bid adieu, remember, dear friends, that Kalinga Stadium isn’t just a location on a map; it’s a feeling, a sentiment, deeply etched in the heart of every Odishan. Until our next tale, stay inspired and always let your dreams soar as high as the skies above.

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