District Stadium, Chattogram

District Stadium Chattogram: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the vibrant port city of Chattogram, Bangladesh, District Stadium—officially known as Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS)—stands as a flagship venue for sports and cultural events. Since its establishment in the early 2000s, ZACS has evolved into a premier destination, celebrated for hosting international cricket, domestic competitions, and a variety of community gatherings. Its scenic location amid Chattogram’s hills and urban landscape, combined with modern facilities and proximity to key attractions, makes it a must-visit for sports fans and travelers alike (Live Cricket, Advance Cricket).

This guide provides detailed information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, facilities, and travel tips for Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Whether you’re attending a thrilling cricket match, exploring the stadium’s architecture, or discovering Chattogram’s heritage, this article offers practical advice to ensure a memorable visit.

History and Development
Naming and Dedication
Architectural Features and Facilities
International Cricket and Notable Events
Community Engagement and Multi-Sport Use
Visiting Information
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visual Highlights
Further Exploration and Official Links
Summary and Legacy

History and Development

Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium’s origins date back to the early 2000s, when demand for a modern sports venue in Bangladesh’s second-largest city grew rapidly. Initially known as Chittagong Divisional Stadium, its construction was completed in 2004, strategically positioned between the city’s hills and bustling urban core. The stadium’s design and infrastructure marked a significant leap in Chattogram’s sporting landscape, providing a world-class facility for cricket and other events (Live Cricket).

Naming and Dedication

Shortly after opening, the stadium was renamed in honor of Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned local politician and advocate for sports development in Chattogram. This dedication reflects the city’s pride in its heritage and its ambition to shine on the national and international sports stage (Advance Cricket).

Architectural Features and Facilities

Stadium Design and Spectator Experience

ZACS is built with a seating capacity of approximately 22,000, making it one of Bangladesh’s largest sports venues outside Dhaka (The Sports Lite). Its elliptical layout offers clear sightlines from all seats, and semi-open stands allow natural ventilation while showcasing views of the Bay of Bengal. The stadium is equipped with robust floodlights for day-night matches and an advanced drainage system suited to the monsoon climate (KPMG Blueprint).

Player and Media Facilities

The venue features modern dressing rooms, physiotherapy and medical zones, indoor and outdoor nets, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for press and media. A state-of-the-art media center includes commentary boxes, broadcast studios, and digital scoreboards, ensuring high-quality coverage for global audiences.

Accessibility

ZACS is accessible for visitors with disabilities, offering ramps, elevators, and dedicated seating. Bilingual signage (Bengali and English) aids navigation for all guests.

Environmental and Safety Features

Rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and landscaping with native plants reflect the stadium’s commitment to sustainability (The Architect’s Diary). Fire safety, medical facilities, and trained staff ensure visitor security during all events.

International Cricket and Notable Events

ZACS gained international status in 2006 after upgrades to meet ICC standards. It quickly became Bangladesh’s second Test venue, hosting its maiden Test match against Sri Lanka. The stadium has been the site of Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory (2009), high-profile ODIs, T20Is, and matches during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and other major tournaments (Live Cricket, Fantasy Khiladi).

Memorable cricketing feats include:

Bangladesh’s historic Test win over the West Indies in 2009.
Chris Gayle’s record-breaking 146 in the Bangladesh Premier League.
The West Indies’ successful chase of 395 runs in 2021, the highest in Asia (SportsKaro).

The stadium is also home to the Chattogram Division team and the BPL’s Chattogram Challengers, serving as a training ground for stars like Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, and Mustafizur Rahman (Advance Cricket).

Community Engagement and Multi-Sport Use

While cricket is the stadium’s mainstay, ZACS also hosts football matches, marathons, cultural festivals, and public celebrations, reinforcing its role as a community hub (AllEvents.in). Outreach programs and local sports initiatives nurture young talent and foster social cohesion. The stadium’s energetic match-day atmosphere—characterized by vibrant crowds, local food vendors, and spirited chants—captures the essence of Chattogram’s sporting culture.

Visiting Information

Hours and Tickets

General Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, except on match days or during special events. On event days, gates open roughly two hours before the start (The Sports Lite).
Tickets: Available online via authorized platforms or at the stadium box office. Prices depend on event type and seat category; early booking is recommended for popular matches (Official Stadium Website).

Accessibility

Transport: Centrally located, the stadium is accessible by bus, taxi, and ride-sharing. Ample parking is available, but spaces fill up quickly during major events.
Facilities: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms cater to visitors with disabilities.

Travel and Parking

From Airport: 25-30 minutes by taxi from Shah Amanat International Airport.
From Railway: Close to Chattogram’s main railway station and bus terminals.
Public Transport: CNG auto-rickshaws and local buses connect the stadium with key city points (Wild Trips).

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring Chattogram’s landmarks:

Patenga Beach: Popular for sunset views and street food.
Foy’s Lake: A scenic lake and amusement park.
Ethnological Museum: Dedicated to Bangladesh’s diverse ethnic cultures.
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami: A notable Sufi heritage site.

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Visiting Season: December to February (cool, dry weather). Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rains.
Transport Advice: Use ride-sharing or public transport on event days to avoid parking congestion.
Security: Expect standard screening; carry valid ID and avoid restricted items.
Food: Enjoy local snacks inside the stadium or explore nearby eateries for regional cuisine.
Language: Bengali is primary, but English is widely understood among staff and in signage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the stadium’s visiting hours?
A: Generally 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; match days may differ. Check official schedules.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?
A: Online via authorized sellers or at the box office; book early for major events.

Q: Is the stadium accessible for disabled visitors?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and designated seating.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, during special events. Check with stadium management.

Q: What are nearby attractions?
A: Patenga Beach, Foy’s Lake, Ethnological Museum, and more.

Visual Highlights

Further Exploration and Official Links

For more on Chattogram’s culture and sports venues, explore:

For real-time match updates, ticket sales, and exclusive content, download the Audiala app.

Summary and Legacy

Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium stands as a beacon of Bangladesh’s sporting passion and Chattogram’s dynamic spirit. Its growth from regional ground to international venue mirrors the city’s dedication to sports excellence and community engagement. With continued upgrades and plans for future expansion, ZACS is set to remain a premier destination for cricket and cultural events. For visitors, understanding the stadium’s logistics—visiting hours, tickets, transport, and nearby attractions—ensures a seamless and enriching experience in Chattogram’s vibrant heart (Live Cricket, Fantasy Khiladi, Advance Cricket, Chattogram Tourism Board).