Karnataka’s 1st IPL Fan Park opens this weekend in Hubballi

HUBBALLI: Here is some good news for the cricket lovers. The BCCI, intending to reach more cricket lovers, especially for IPL matches, aims to create an atmosphere conducive for IPL matches in Hubballi.
A 'Tata IPL Fan Park' will come up at BDK ground in Hubballi with a huge 38X20 LED screen. People can watch matches here while sitting on a carpeted ground surface.Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) is coming up with a fan park at Hubballi for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament. The fan park event will be held on April 15 and 16 (Saturday and Sunday).
“Four cricket matches will be displayed at the venue. The event will commence at 1.30 pm. The fan park will stream live cricket matches on giant screens. Entry is free for the public. The opening event is being held across 45 cities in India. For this season, we can expect more than 10,000 people,” said Anant Datar, operation manager, BCCI.
The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will see the return of the IPL Fan Parks after a gap of three years. BCCI announced that the IPL Fan Parks will return this year, as they were shut owing to the Covid pandemic, he added.
“With the craziest of the fans expressing their love for cricket, players, favourite teams and much more, IPL 2023 will bring in more viewrs. Touching fans across 45 cities including Hubballi, these Fan Parks are ready to escalate the IPL fever across the country,” Anant Datar said.
Nikhil Bhusad, Convenor, Dharwad zone of Karnataka State Cricket Association, said that the Hubballi city is the first in Karnataka to host TATA IPL Fan Park. Looking at the public response three years ago in Hubballi, BCCI selected Hubballi city to host IPL Fan Park in Karnataka, he added.
With every breathtaking moment captured on giant screens, a venue will broadcast the live action, giving a stadium-like feel to cricket fans. None of the fans could miss it as the entry is absolutely free and the fun and excitement will be doubled up with music, merchandise, food stalls, beverages and some fun activities, said Bhusad.
According to sources, after Hubballi, the BCCI planned IPL fan parks in Belagavi, Shivamogga and Mysuru.