Intercontinental Cup 2024 Venue Guide: GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad

The GMC Balayogi Stadium is all set to host the Intercontinental Cup

India are all set to begin their new era under Manolo Marquez with their participation in the Hero Intercontinental Cup. The Blue Tigers will be hosting Syria and Mauritius in this tri-nation tournament.

All the matches will be played at the GMC Balayogi Stadium. Each of the three teams will face each other once across three matchdays — which will take place on September 3rd, 6th, and 9th respectively. 

Several challenges mark India’s participation in the Intercontinental Cup. The tournament marks the debut of Manolo Marquez as the team’s head coach, adding an element of uncertainty.

Additionally, injuries to key players have depleted the squad, forcing the coach to make difficult decisions regarding the final roster, as the absence of an experienced striker adds to the team’s challenges. Moreover, the lack of a proper preparatory camp further complicates India’s preparations for the tournament.

GMC Balayogi Stadium

Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi Athletic Stadium, formerly known as the Gachibowli Athletic Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium situated in the Gachibowli suburb of Hyderabad. It is located beside the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad. 

The stadium is part of a sports complex built in 2002 by the N. Chandrababu Naidu Government to host the 2003 Afro-Asian Games. It is used mostly for football matches as is it currently the home of Indian Super League(ISL) side Hyderabad FC.

The stadium contains an eight-lane 400m running synthetic athletic track, a 10-lane 100m sprinting track, and a four-lane synthetic warm-up track. Inside the athletic tracks lies the football field. The stadium can hold up to 30,000 people.

Recently the Telangana Government invested over ₹15 crores to upgrade the stadium ahead of the Intercontinental Cup. Renovations included new dressing rooms, officials’ rooms, and 18,000 bucket seats.

The stadium has two designated main entrances – the first gate and the second gate. The main entrance first gate is for the Spectators while the second gate is reserved for Players, VVIPs, VIPs, and Media Personnel.

ALSO READ: Ticket details for Intercontinental Cup 2024

Best View

The stadium has four different blocks or stands that are present. While the North and the South Blocks are situated behind the goalposts they still give the audience a good view of the game

The best view of the stadium is from the East Block and the West Block. The former is reserved only for the spectators while the latter is comprised of the VIP lounge, VVIP lounge, Owners Lounge, and the Pressbox.

Getting to the Stadium

Gachibowli is located far from the centre of the city and is an IT hub with numerous corporate offices in and around its radar. The evenings get crowded and are subjected to heavy traffic, so starting early is always a good option.

Additionally, there’s no direct transport available until the stadium so here are the different ways to reach the venue.

By Hyderabad Metro Rail

There is no direct metro available to the stadium but anyone taking the Metro services is advised to take the blue line of Hyderabad Metro that can be taken from JBS Parade Ground or Ameerpet.

The Blue Line ends at Raidurg which is the terminal stop for the Blue Line. After reaching Raidurg, it takes approximately 15 minutes to travel to Gachibowli. The same can be done through local autos which typically flock around the metro station.

By Road

If taking the Metro isn’t possible, it is easy to hire an auto or cab to the stadium. But in that case, one has to start very early since the road at Gachibowli gets very crowded in the evening due to the office rush.

To avoid a hassle and getting stuck in a traffic jam one must start as early as possible to reach the stadium.

Parking

There is a parking space available for spectators to park their vehicles right outside the stadium located on the right side of the Main Entrance Gate 1.

VIPs will be directed to use Gate 2 which leads to the separate parking space that’s allotted to the VIPs and media personnel which is in front of the VIP entry/ Owner’s lounge area.

Seeking Accommodation

For fans visiting from other states/cities, hotels and lodges are available almost everywhere around the city ranging from five-stars to dormitories as per your taste and budget. Avoid any last-minute booking as it may lead to unavailability of accommodation. 

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Carry your tickets along with identity proof.
• Carry some extra money to buy water or food from inside the stadium
• If you fail to find your gate, reach out to the volunteers who will be present at all entry points. They will be able to guide you. You can also approach the local fans for help
• Reach at least an hour before kickoff.

Don’ts

• Don’t carry cigarettes or alcohol as they’re not allowed inside the stadium and if found consuming is a punishable offence.
• Carrying an umbrella is prohibited inside the venue. In case of chances of rain, carry a raincoat
• Outside food is prohibited inside the stadium.
• Water bottles and bags are not permitted in the stadium.
• Any electronic gadgets apart from mobile phones are not allowed.

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