The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium (New VCA Stadium) in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is one of India’s most modern cricket arenas. Built on approximately 59 bighas of land, it was inaugurated in 2008 and quickly became a premier venue for domestic, IPL, and international cricket. With an expansive field area of 66,000+ square meters, it is the second-largest cricket stadium in India by playing area. The stadium features cutting-edge drainage systems, practice facilities, and high-standard floodlights, making it ideal for day-night matches. The stadium has earned praise from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its player-friendly pitches, seating arrangements, and media infrastructure.
Seating Capacity: 45,000 (extendable for special events)
Facilities: VIP boxes, corporate lounges, media center, gyms, physiotherapy rooms, practice nets, and food courts.
📍 Location
- City: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
- Locality: Jamtha, southern outskirts of Nagpur
- Accessibility:
- 10 km from Nagpur Airport
- 8 km from Nagpur Railway Station
- NH 44 & local roads
- Public transport: buses, taxis, ride-sharing apps (Uber, Ola)
- Nearby landmarks: MIHAN Special Economic Zone, Kamptee Road, Zero Mile Marker
🏏 Cricket History
- Inauguration: 2008
- Domestic cricket: Home ground for Vidarbha (Ranji Trophy) and Central Zone (Duleep Trophy)
- International cricket: Hosted 6 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 12 T20Is (as of January 2020)
- Notable facts:
- Holds the record for most T20Is hosted at a single Indian stadium by 2020
- Pitch is batsman-friendly: early assistance for pacers, good bounce for stroke play, slower assistance for spinners
- Played a vital role in promoting cricket in central India
🌟 Key Highlights
- Pitch & Outfield: Flat and true bounce; fast outfield maintained with a 24-hour sprinkler system
- Floodlights: Modern HD-standard for day-night matches
- Player amenities: World-class dressing rooms, indoor nets, gyms, physiotherapy rooms, VIP and visiting team facilities
- Seating: Covered stands, VIP and corporate lounges, family-friendly areas
- Media facilities: Fully equipped media center for broadcast and press coverage
- Events: Hosts IPL matches, domestic tournaments, and occasional corporate or cultural events
Famous Matches
- T20Is: India vs South Africa (237/3, 2022) – one of the highest T20I totals in India
- ODIs: India vs West Indies, 2018 – record partnerships by Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma
- Tests: Multiple domestic and international matches with competitive performances
- IPL: Regular venue for Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad matches
- Significance: Known for high-scoring, batsman-friendly matches
Fan Experience
- Seating & View: Comfortable and spacious, excellent sightlines from all stands
- Food & Beverage: Local Maharashtrian cuisine along with standard snacks
- Parking & Access: Ample parking, smooth entry and exit management
- Atmosphere: Vibrant during IPL and international matches, especially T20s
- Merchandise & Entertainment: On-site souvenir shops, family zones, fan engagement areas
