Bangalore Football Stadium (Football)

Bangalore Football Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was constructed starting in 1967 with ambitions inspired by Brazil’s Maracanã stadium, initially planned to hold up to 90,000 spectators. The stadium faced many delays and financial issues during construction, partly due to corruption and theft of building materials, which prevented its completion as originally planned. Despite these challenges, it became a key football venue in the city.

It hosted matches for local teams such as HAL Bangalore and later served as the home ground for Bengaluru FC during their inaugural 2013-14 I-League season, where the club won the league title. The stadium is known for hosting various football events, including I-League matches and youth championships. Its capacity evolved over time, and it faced issues with unofficial settlements below the stands until court orders cleared the space in the late 1990s.

The stadium also witnessed the tragic death of Brazilian footballer Cristiano Júnior in 2004 during a Federation Cup match. In recent years, Bangalore Football Stadium has hosted local league matches and tournaments but has largely been overshadowed by newer venues like the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, where Bengaluru FC now plays. Plans were made to replace or refurbish the stadium for future events, including the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, but the stadium remains a historic landmark for football in Bangalore.