Looking back at when Salt Lake Stadium hosted ISL opener

Salt Lake Stadium has a history of organizing iconic matches in the ISL.

The stage is set for the grand finale as the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata gears up to host the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24’s ultimate match. This isn’t the first time the iconic stadium, also known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, will be in the spotlight for the ISL. But this time, it holds a special significance as the home ground of Mohun Bagan, one of the finalists.

Meanwhile, Salt Lake Stadium has a history of hosting the first ISL match of the inaugural edition. On a crisp 12 October evening in 2014, history was created at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as it played host to the opening match of the Indian Super League (ISL). This highly anticipated event marked a new era for Indian football, bringing together marquee international players alongside domestic talent.

With a capacity to hold over 85,000 spectators, Salt Lake Stadium stood tall, ready to hold a new era of footballing spectacle. The anticipation was intense as Kolkata, known for its ardent love affair with the beautiful game, geared up to witness a clash of giants between Atlético de Kolkata and Mumbai City FC.

The atmosphere fizzed with excitement as passionate supporters flooded the stadium. As the sun set and the floodlights illuminated the massive arena, the atmosphere crackled with energy. That wasn’t just a football match; it was the dawn of a new chapter for the sport in India.

The match itself was an enthralling affair, energetic with drama and excitement. The players, maintained by the electrifying atmosphere, showcased their skills with finesse and determination. Every pass, every tackle, and every goal reverberated through the stadium, stirring the hearts of those in attendance.

At the end, Atlético de Kolkata emerged victorious, etching their name in the records of ISL history with a 3-0 win over Mumbai City FC. Looking back, the significance of that historic day cannot be overstated. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in Indian football, one filled with promise and potential. The ISL has since grown a lot, attracting top talent from around the world and captivating audiences both at home and abroad.

Salt Lake Stadium, with its rich history and storied legacy, served as the perfect stage for such a momentous occasion. It stood as a symbol of India’s footballing prowess. And come 4 May, it will once again welcome the two best sides of the league to fight it out for the ultimate silverware.

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