Ekana International Football Stadium aerial view

Ekana Cricket Stadium

Ekana Cricket Stadium Visiting Hours, Ticket Information, and Guide to Lucknow Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, popularly known as Ekana Cricket Stadium, is a striking symbol of Lucknow’s emergence as a sporting and cultural city. With a seating capacity of 50,000, it ranks as Uttar Pradesh’s largest cricket stadium and the fifth largest in India. Since its official inauguration in 2018, Ekana Stadium has hosted major domestic and international cricket matches, including IPL, WPL, and ICC World Cup fixtures, while also serving as a venue for cultural events. This detailed guide offers essential information about visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions, ensuring an enriching experience for every visitor.

(Wikipedia; Sportsmatik; trendsarroyo.com)

Introduction
History & Conception
Stadium Architecture & Facilities
Key Events and Records
Visiting Hours & Ticket Information
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Directions and Travel Tips
Nearby Historical Attractions
Visitor Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
References

History & Conception

Ekana Cricket Stadium was envisioned in 2014 as a state-of-the-art venue to boost Uttar Pradesh’s sporting profile. Developed through a public-private partnership between Ekana Sportz City (Nagarjuna Construction Company and GC Construction & Development Industries Pvt Ltd) and the Lucknow Development Authority, the project was completed in 2017 with a construction cost of approximately ₹360 crores. The government allotted a 35-year lease for the stadium and additional land for real estate development.

(Wikipedia)

Stadium Architecture & Facilities

Architectural Design

The stadium’s elliptical design, created by Skyline Architectural Consultants Pvt. Ltd., ensures excellent sightlines and acoustics for all 50,000 spectators across two tiers. Its straight boundaries are the longest in India, enhancing the challenge for players and the excitement for fans. The venue features 76 corporate boxes, a 55-room clubhouse, four dressing rooms, and advanced facilities for players, media, and officials.

(Sportsmatik; StadiumSeatingPlan)

Modern Amenities

Corporate boxes and VIP lounges for premium experiences.
Floodlights for day-night matches and high-definition broadcasting.
World-class drainage and pitch maintenance systems.
Advanced security and surveillance.

Accessibility

Wheelchair ramps and accessible seating (notably near Gates 3 and 5).
Ample restrooms, food courts, merchandise outlets, and parking facilities.
Family-friendly zones and dedicated areas for differently-abled visitors.

(cricketstadiumsinfo.com)

Sustainability

Ekana Stadium utilizes energy-efficient lighting, water harvesting, and natural ventilation, with future plans for digital infrastructure expansion and smart crowd management.

(trendsarroyo.com)

Key Events and Records

Inauguration and Major Matches

Officially inaugurated in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
First international match: India vs. West Indies T20I in November 2018, marking the return of international cricket to Lucknow after 24 years.
Hosted five matches during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

(ICC ODI World Cup; SportingLad)

Home Teams

Uttar Pradesh men’s and women’s teams.
Lucknow Super Giants (IPL franchise).
UP Warriorz (WPL franchise).
Afghanistan national cricket team (third home venue since 2019).

(Wikipedia)

Notable Records

Rohit Sharma: First player to score four T20I centuries (Ekana’s debut international match).
Highest IPL team total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders (2024).
IPL pitch offers both black and red soil wickets, favoring pacers early and spinners later.

(Sportskeeda; sportsdunia.com)

Visiting Hours & Ticket Information

General Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on non-match days (verify current timings on the official website or by calling ahead).
Match Days: Gates open 2–3 hours before the event; access is ticket-holder only.
Guided Tours: Offered occasionally; book via the official website or inquire at the stadium.

Tickets

Purchase Platforms: Official IPL/BCCI sites, authorized outlets, and online portals such as BookMyShow and Paytm.
Price Range: Varies by match and seating (generally INR 300–15,000 for major events).
Entry Rules: Only wallets and mobile phones permitted. Coins, chargers, food, and tobacco items are banned. Baby food may be allowed after security checks.

(iplticketsprice.in; ipltickets.in)

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Parking: Multiple secure lots with clear signage.
Restrooms: Clean and well-distributed.
Food Courts: Local and international cuisine available.
Medical: On-site emergency services.
Merchandise: Official team gear and memorabilia at kiosks.
Accessibility: Ramps, reserved seating, and accessible restrooms.
Security: Bag checks, surveillance, and emergency protocols in place.

(cricketstadiumsinfo.com)

Directions and Travel Tips

Getting There

By Air: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (approx. 18–25 km).
By Rail: Charbagh Railway Station (approx. 11 km).
By Metro: Munshipulia station (8 km away; connect via auto/taxi).
By Road: Well-connected by taxis, auto-rickshaws, city buses, and event-day shuttle services.

(adotrip.com)

Visitor Tips

Book tickets early for popular matches.
Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before start time to clear security.
Wear light clothing and stay hydrated, especially during summer.
Review stadium rules for prohibited items before arrival.

Nearby Historical Attractions

Lucknow offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural experiences near Ekana Stadium:

Major Monuments

Bara Imambara: 18th-century Mughal masterpiece (13 km away).
Rumi Darwaza: Iconic 18th-century gateway, “Turkish Gate.”
Chota Imambara: Renowned for its ornate interiors and chandeliers.

Parks & Gardens

Ambedkar Memorial Park: Expansive parkland with statues and fountains.
Janeshwar Mishra Park: One of Asia’s largest city parks.

Shopping & Food

Hazratganj Market: Oldest shopping district, famous for chikan embroidery and street food.
Aminabad Market: Renowned for textiles and jewelry.
Chowk Area: Culinary delights including Tunday Kababi.

Family-Friendly

Lucknow Zoo: Over 100 animal species, toy train, and boating.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium: Astronomy and science exhibits.

(adotrip.com; travel.india.com)

Visitor Recommendations

Combine your visit to a cricket match or stadium tour with explorations of Lucknow’s cultural heritage.
Plan transport in advance, especially during major events when traffic and parking can be challenging.
Try local cuisine—don’t miss kebabs, biryanis, and sweets.
Stay updated with the latest event schedules and visitor guidelines via the official Ekana Stadium website or the Audiala app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are Ekana Stadium’s regular visiting hours?
A1: Typically 9:00 AM–7:00 PM on non-match days; match day timings vary.

Q2: How do I buy tickets?
A2: Through official IPL/BCCI platforms, authorized online ticketing partners, and select outlets.

Q3: Is the stadium accessible for differently-abled visitors?
A3: Yes, with ramps, dedicated seating, and accessible restrooms.

Q4: What are the main nearby attractions?
A4: Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Ambedkar Memorial Park, Hazratganj Market, and Lucknow Zoo.

Q5: Are outside food and liquids permitted?
A5: No, except for baby food (subject to security checks).

References

Enhance your experience: Download the Audiala app for real-time match updates, ticket bookings, and exclusive offers. Follow Ekana Stadium’s official social media channels for the latest news and events.