The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Monday the schedule for IPL fan parks for the first phase of the IPL 2026 season. The main focus of these fan parks is to extend the tournament’s reach beyond stadiums in smaller cities. Indian Premier League 2026 is all set to begin on 28 March, 2026.
According to the BCCI, the fan parks will be hosted across 15 cities in 11 states during the first three weeks, providing fans with the experience and chances to experience matches live with other fans. Each week of the first phase will feature five fan parks across different areas. It includes north, south, east, and west.
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What will the fan park offer and its history?
The fan park concept was introduced in 2015, and played a critical role in raising the fanbase and fan engagement as well. Since its start, it has covered over 65 cities. Although the fan fairs were not held during the pandemic seasons. (2020-2022).
It returned in 2023 with a rising scale, covering 45 cities in 20 states and 2 union territories. Moreover, in 2025, the season expanded and covered over 50 cities in 23 states. Talking about its facilities, each fan park will feature engaging ground activities, match screening, music, kids’ play zones, and food courts. In addition, it includes interactive fan engagement initiatives like bowling nets, face painting, virtual batting experiences, 360-degree photo booths, and cheer-o-meters.
Stadium vs Fan Park: What’s the Key Difference for IPL Fans?
The primary difference between a stadium and a fan park lies in the match experience. Talking about the stadium, fans watch the game live with players on the field, providing a premium atmosphere. On the other hand, a fan park shows live match screening on big screens in open spaces. It allows fans in smaller cities to enjoy the excitement together.
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IPL Fan Park Experience: What Fans Can Expect Beyond the Stadium
IPL fan parks provide a vibrant and attractive climate beyond just match screening. Here, fans can enjoy music, large screens, live entertainment with interactive activities such as virtual batting, face painting, a photo booth, and bowling nets. In addition, these parks also include food courts, kids’ zones, and, most importantly, they offer social interaction and create a festival-like atmosphere for fans who cannot attend matches in the stadium.
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Fan Parks IPL 2026 Schedule First Phase
The fan parks are going to be held over three weekends, and every weekend, five fan parks will be set up across several regions of the country, from North to South and East to West, to connect with fans across the world.
Week 1: March 28 & 29, 2026
- Rohtak, Haryana – Chhotu Ram Polytechnic Ground
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – Govt. MVM College Ground
- Nagpur, Maharashtra – Mecosabagh Methodist High School Playground
- Tumakuru, Karnataka – Government Junior College Field
- Krishnanagar, West Bengal – DL Roy Stadium
Week 2: April 4 & 5, 2026
- Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – Amarnath Vidya Ashram
- Jodhpur, Rajasthan – Barkatullah Khan Stadium
- Nizamabad, Telangana – Women’s Educational Society Grounds
- Mysuru, Karnataka – SBRR Mahajana First Grade College
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha – KITS University Stadium
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Week 3: April 11 & 12, 2026
- Meerut, Uttar Pradesh – Bhainsali Ground
- Nadiad, Gujarat – Radhe Farm
- Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – Swargiya Pramod Mahajan Krida Sankul
- Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – Hindustan College of Arts & Science
- Rourkela, Odisha – Sector 17 Ground
Source: IPLT20