The numbers alone are staggering. Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad holds 132,000 spectators, more than any other cricket ground on earth. The next largest, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, seats around 100,000. Nothing else comes close.
But the stadium is not just about size. It is a complete reimagination of what a cricket venue can be: eleven different pitch surfaces, four dressing rooms that can accommodate four international teams simultaneously, 76 corporate boxes, LED floodlights that eliminate the last shadows on the outfield, and a drainage system that can clear standing water in under 30 minutes. It is, by most measures, the most technically advanced cricket stadium in the world.
Here is everything you need to know before you visit.
More guides for your visit
- How to Reach Narendra Modi Stadium — metro, road, parking and match-day transport tips
- Narendra Modi Stadium Ticket Prices 2026 — IPL seating categories, price ranges and step-by-step booking guide
- Gujarat Titans IPL 2026 Fan Guide — full home match schedule, match day tips and what to expect
From Motera to Narendra Modi Stadium: the history
Table of Contents
The Original Motera Stadium
Cricket has been played at this site in Motera since 1983. The original Sardar Patel Stadium (informally known as Motera Stadium) hosted its first Test match in that year and quickly became one of the premier venues in Indian cricket. Over three decades, it witnessed some of the sport’s most memorable moments, including several India victories and record-breaking individual innings.
By the 2010s, however, the old stadium was showing its age. The seating was dated, the facilities were limited, and it was struggling to compete with the modern venues being built across India.
The Complete Rebuild
In 2015, the Gujarat Cricket Association made the decision not to renovate, choosing instead to demolish and start from scratch. The old stadium was torn down entirely. A new stadium was designed by the Australian architectural firm Populous (which also designed Lord’s redevelopment and several other major international grounds) and built from the ground up.
Construction took nearly five years. When the stadium was ready in 2020, it had more than doubled the capacity of its predecessor and introduced a level of infrastructure unprecedented in Indian cricket.
The Renaming
On 24 February 2020, the stadium was officially renamed Narendra Modi Stadium. The renaming coincided with the visit of US President Donald Trump for the “Namaste Trump” diplomatic event, one of the largest political gatherings ever held at a sports venue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump inaugurated the new stadium together before an estimated crowd of 110,000 people.
Capacity and Stadium Design
The stadium’s 132,000-seat capacity is distributed across three tiers. Unlike older grounds where certain sections have poor sightlines, every seat in Narendra Modi Stadium faces the pitch at an angle designed to give a clear view.
The stadium is managed by the Gujarat Cricket Association.
Key design features:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total capacity | 132,000 |
| Corporate boxes | 76 |
| Dressing rooms | 4 (can host two teams simultaneously) |
| Practice pitches | 11 (different soil types) |
| Floodlights | LED (no shadows on the outfield) |
| Drainage | Full ground clear in under 30 minutes |
| Hospitality areas | Club house, Olympic-size swimming pool, indoor cricket academy |
| Parking | 3,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers |
The Eleven Pitches
The eleven pitches are one of the most discussed aspects of the stadium. They are prepared from different soil types to offer varied playing surfaces. This means practice sessions here can simulate conditions from different international venues — a significant advantage for the India squad preparing for overseas tours.
Recent Matches and Major Events
Narendra Modi Stadium has become India’s go-to venue for the biggest occasions in cricket.
IPL
The stadium is the home ground of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. It has hosted the IPL Final in 2022, 2023, and 2025. The 2026 IPL season continues at this ground, with Gujarat Titans fixtures drawing capacity crowds.
International Cricket
The stadium has hosted Test matches, ODIs, and T20 Internationals since reopening in 2020. The pitches have drawn comment from players and analysts alike, both for pace and bounce in some matches and for slower conditions that favour spin in others, depending on which of the eleven surfaces is in use.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Narendra Modi Stadium has been selected to host 7 matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, including the final scheduled for later in 2026. With a capacity of 132,000, it will be the largest venue ever used for a T20 World Cup final. The stadium’s selection cements Ahmedabad’s status as India’s premier cricket city for global tournaments.
Coldplay: Music of the Spheres World Tour (2025)
Cricket is not the only major event this stadium hosts. British rock band Coldplay performed two sold-out shows here on 25 and 26 January 2025, as part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour. The stadium’s scale and acoustics made it one of the tour’s most talked-about venues. Both shows sold out almost instantly when tickets went on sale.
Facilities for Visitors
Ticketing
Match tickets are sold through the official Gujarat Cricket Association website and authorised partners. IPL match tickets typically go on sale a few weeks before each match. For international fixtures, watch the GCA website for announcements.
Ticket prices vary by tier and match type:
– Lower-tier premium seats: ₹2,000–₹5,000+ for IPL matches
– Upper-tier general seating: ₹500–₹1,500 for most matches
– Corporate boxes: Available through GCA’s hospitality packages
Food and Beverage
The stadium has multiple food courts across all three tiers. Expect standard match-day food: street snacks, fast food, soft drinks, and regional Gujarati snacks. Outside food is not permitted inside the venue.
Accessibility
Accessible seating and facilities are available on all three tiers. Contact the GCA directly for specific accessibility requirements.
How to Reach Narendra Modi Stadium
The stadium is in Motera, in the northwest of Ahmedabad, approximately 15 km from the city centre.
By Ahmedabad Metro
The most convenient option on match days. The Ahmedabad Metro runs to Motera Stadium station on Line 2 (the east-west corridor). The station exit is a short walk from the stadium gates. Using the metro eliminates the traffic bottleneck that affects the roads around the stadium on busy match days.
By Road
Sardar Patel Ring Road and SG Road both connect to the Motera area. Traffic can be severe on match days; arrive at least 90 minutes before the start time if coming by car or taxi. The stadium has parking for 3,000 cars.
By Auto-Rickshaw or Cab
Available from across Ahmedabad. On match days, surge pricing on app-based cabs is common. Auto-rickshaws are a practical option for shorter distances from the metro or nearby areas.
Tips for Visiting on Match Day
Narendra Modi Stadium is enormous, and navigating it well makes a significant difference to your experience.
- Arrive early: Gate opening is typically 90 minutes before match time. Arriving early means shorter security queues and time to explore the venue.
- Take the metro: Road traffic around the stadium on match days can add 30-60 minutes to any journey. The metro is far faster.
- Download the e-ticket: Paper tickets are not always accepted. Ensure your ticket is on your phone before you leave.
- Check the gate: With 132,000 seats, the stadium has many gates. Confirm your gate number from your ticket and plan accordingly.
- Keep valuables minimal: Standard stadium security applies: no large bags, no outside food or drink.
The Stadium Beyond Cricket
Narendra Modi Stadium is being positioned as an events venue beyond cricket. Coldplay’s 2025 concerts demonstrated the scale of what is possible here. The indoor cricket academy, the swimming pool, and the multi-use hospitality areas make it a year-round facility rather than a cricket-only venue.
For a sense of what else Ahmedabad has to offer visitors, from food to cultural events, the Kankaria Carnival each December is another large-scale Ahmedabad event worth knowing about. The top rooftop restaurants in Ahmedabad are a popular choice for post-match dinners in the Motera and SG Road area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Narendra Modi Stadium?
The stadium holds 132,000 spectators, making it the world’s largest cricket stadium. It surpasses the Melbourne Cricket Ground (approximately 100,000 capacity) which was previously the largest.
Why was the stadium renamed?
The stadium was originally called Sardar Patel Stadium (Motera Stadium). It was renamed Narendra Modi Stadium on 24 February 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump jointly inaugurated the newly rebuilt venue during the “Namaste Trump” event.
How do I get to Narendra Modi Stadium by metro?
Take the Ahmedabad Metro Line 2 to Motera Stadium station. The station is a short walk from the main stadium gates and is the fastest option on match days.
How many pitches does the stadium have?
The stadium has 11 cricket pitches, each prepared with different soil types to offer varied playing surfaces. This makes it ideal for hosting international matches and training sessions.
Did Coldplay perform at Narendra Modi Stadium?
Yes. Coldplay performed two sold-out shows at the stadium on 25 and 26 January 2025 as part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour, making it one of the largest live music events ever held in Ahmedabad.
Which IPL team plays at Narendra Modi Stadium?
The Gujarat Titans are the home team at Narendra Modi Stadium. The stadium also hosted the IPL Finals in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Was the T20 World Cup 2026 final held here?
Yes. Narendra Modi Stadium hosted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final, where India defeated New Zealand to claim a record third T20 World Cup title.
