M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, commonly known as Chepauk Stadium, is one of India’s prominent cricket stadiums in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1916, it is the second oldest cricket stadium in the country, following Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) owns and operates the stadium, which is situated in Chepauk, a short distance from Marina Beach.
Originally called Madras Cricket Club Ground, the stadium is named after M. A. Chidambaram, a former president of the BCCI and head of TNCA. It serves as the home ground for the Tamil Nadu cricket team and the IPL team Chennai Super Kings. Chepauk hosted its first Test match on 10 February 1934 and the first match of the first Ranji Trophy in 1934.
Located near Chepauk Palace, the historical residence of the Nawab of Arcot from 1768 to 1855, the stadium grounds were once part of the palace grounds. The entrance of the stadium features three Indo-Saracenic style pillars, the last remnants of the palace grounds, dating back to the reign of Nawab Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah.
Seating Capacity of Chepauk Stadium
In June 2010, the stadium underwent a reconstruction costing ₹175 crore (US$22 million). This project included the construction of three new stands (I, J, and K) with a capacity of 12,000 spectators and 24 hospitality boxes, all under translucent PTFE membrane roofs. The reconstruction was completed in 2011, enhancing the stadium’s capacity to 50,000 spectators with modern roofing.
In December 2021, the old Anna Pavilion, Anna Pavilion Stand, and MCC Clubhouse were demolished to build a new pavilion and stands, reducing the capacity to 31,140. The installation of permanent seating raised the capacity to 38,200.
The stadium covers a total area of 69,900 square meters (752,000 sq ft) under a lease agreement between the government and the association. In April 2015, this lease expired but was extended in November 2019 for another 21 years from 2015 by the Tamil Nadu government.
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Chepauk Stadium Stands
These are the stands at the MA Chidambaram Stadium –
- Pavilion Terrace – Bay 1 & 2
- C/D/E – Hospitality Box
- H Hospitality Box – Level 3
- Anna Pavilion
- C/D/E – Upper Tier
- G – Upper Tier
- C/D/E – Lower Tier
Chennai Chepauk Stadium Memorable RecordsÂ
The opening match of the 1987 World Cup between India and Australia marked the first ODI played at Chepauk. The stadium hosted its first Test match on 10 February 1934 and its first T20I on 11 September 2012. Talking about the World Cup, Chepauk has hosted 12 Men’s ODI matches across four World Cup editions. Additionally, it hosted a semifinal in the 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
During the Independence Cup in 1997, Pakistan’s opening batsman Saeed Anwar set a record with a score of 194 against India. The highest Test score at the ground is Virender Sehwag’s 319 against South Africa.
In the 1986-87 season, a match between India and Australia at Chepauk ended in a tie, the second tied Test in cricket history. Rahul Dravid achieved his 10,000th Test run at this stadium.
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FAQs about About Chepauk Stadium
Q) What is Chepauk Stadium capacity?
A) The overall seating capacity of the Chepauk Stadium is 38,200.Â
Q) What are the Chepauk Stadium stands?Â
A) The Chepauk Stadium stands are – Pavilion Terrace – Bay 1 & 2, C/D/E – Hospitality Box, H Hospitality Box – Level 3, Anna Pavilion, C/D/E – Upper Tier, G – Upper Tier and C/D/E – Lower Tier.
