Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi

Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium locally known as Kaloor Stadium is a multi-purpose international stadium situated in Kochi, Kerala. The stadium is used mostly for association football and cricket matches. With a maximum capacity of 75,000, it is one of the largest stadiums in India and the third largest cricket stadium in the world. The stadium was built in 1996 by the Government of Kerala with Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). The stadium is widely touted to be one of the noisiest cricket stadiums in the world due to its distinctive architecture. In fact, the Kochi crowd is so vociferous that during international cricket matches, it is very difficult for the umpires to hear minor edges off the bat by the ball for catches by the wicketkeeper. It is to be noted here that the stadium was originally built as a football stadium.The stadium has played host to a number of international cricket and football matches. The extensive grounds of the stadium serve as venue for important exhibitions, cinema events and political rallies in the city. The most innovative aspect of the stadium is its unique lighting towers of 2 kW Floodlights which when switched on fully can provide lighting levels for HD telecast. The Structure of the tower is itself one of a kind in India. Greater Cochin Development Authority leased out the Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium at Kaloor to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for a period of 30 years.