sport
Eden Gardens: A Visitor's Guide to Kolkata's Historic Cricket Ground
Established in 1864, the Cricket Association of Bengal's stadium is among the oldest and largest in the game.
How we reported this
Eden Gardens is the home of cricket in Kolkata and one of the most storied grounds in the sport. Established in 1864, it is recorded as the oldest and second-largest cricket stadium in India, with a current capacity of around 68,000. It is operated by the Cricket Association of Bengal, which also has its headquarters there, and it is the home ground of the Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders.
A long Test history
The ground hosted its first Test match in January 1934, when India played England, and it has staged international cricket regularly ever since. Cricket writers have long placed Eden Gardens among the great arenas of the game, drawing comparisons with the sport's most famous stadiums for the scale and intensity of its crowds. The ground was extensively renovated in 2010 and 2011 ahead of the 2011 World Cup.
Where it sits and how to visit
The stadium stands near the Maidan in the B.B.D. Bagh area of central Kolkata, close to the river and within reach of the city's main transport links. On match days the surrounding area fills with supporters well before play, and demand for tickets to international fixtures and IPL matches is high.
Visitors hoping to attend a match should buy tickets through official channels for the relevant fixture and arrive early, given security checks and crowds. For those interested in the ground's history rather than a live match, the location near other central landmarks makes it easy to include on a wider walking route through the city centre.