Wankhede stadium gets a makeover for ICC World Cup 2011
The scenic stadium of Mumbai commonly known as the, Wankhede stadium, has now transformed into a beautiful and modern arena. It had been under construction for the last 21 months, and costs have totalled around $61 million.
The Wankhede stadium was initially established in 1974. This stadium belongs to the historic era but still has immense popularity amongst the public. Even though it had an uncomfortable seating arrangement, fans still want to come and enjoy the game.
Now this ugly duckling has finally turned into a beautiful swan. This stadium is transformed into a new and wide stadium, which has a spacious sitting arrangement, with more comfortable and colourful benches.
The aesthetic touch adds to the festive air in the stadium. 57 new air-conditioned boxes have been installed for VIPs and other special guests. There are three huge Replay screens that overlook the arena. Initially this stadium could hold up to 38,000 persons
but it has now decreased to 33,500.
The ground was re-dug for the installation of a new sand-based drainage system. Many changes have been made inside the stadium. Now the entire ground is mostly covered by shade but the rest of the area including the benches and stands are left exposed, so
that the wind can circulate and provide relief from the scorching sun.
Some eminent changes made in this transformed stadium are the number of exit doors from the stands, which has been increased from 11 to 21.
Now ladies and children would not have to wait in long queues to use toilets and restrooms, the numbers of urinals have increased from 153 to 767.
New dressing rooms have been installed on an area of 3000 square feet each, with balcony and multiple showers and bath for the players.
The most amazing thing about these dressing rooms is that huge glasses have been fitted on the south side of the pitch, so that the players can easily view the happenings of the match while resting in their room.
The media boxes have been located on the north side of the ground, which is directly opposite to the player dressing rooms. Previously, the media centre used to accommodate only 80 people but now it has been extended to 194. The refreshment areas for photographers
and journalists have been separately arranged.
The security of the stadium was the basic factor for designing a new model of the ground. They have installed hidden cameras, metal detectors and scanners to prevent any sort of untoward incidents.
The fire arrangement has not been approved yet, but the Mumbai government is taking measures to deal with it soon.
This ugly duckling, which is now a beautiful swan, was inaugurated by the current President of ICC, Sharad Pawar. The ICC official admitted that the previous Wankhede had plenty of drawbacks and flaws, and this improvement and reformation was compulsory.
Mr. Pawar said that the idea of this transformation was to not only provide comfort for the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 crowd but to the entire world, at par with international standards.
Still there are some improvements and modalities that need to be worked upon, like the furnishing of the dressing rooms, a patchy outfield has to be treated and some electricity work has to be done.
However, the audience and fans would give the final feedback about this newly renovated arena when the stadium gates open for a match between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391 2011.
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