The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) on Friday announced that Goa will host the TATA IPL Fan Park on May 16 and 17 at the SGPDA Ground in Margao.
The Fan Park will feature live telecasts of IPL matches on giant screens along with entertainment activities, food stalls, games for children and lucky draws.
On May 16, the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans will be screened. On May 17, the matches between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, will be telecast at the venue.
GCA President Mahesh Dessai said the initiative would offer cricket fans in Goa an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of an IPL event.
“Goa is hosting the Fan Park along with four other cities. This is a powerful concept and a good initiative for fans. Hats off to former BCCI secretary and current ICC Chairman, Jay Shah for this. Hundreds of people come for such events,” he said.
GCA Treasurer Abdul Majid appealed cricket fans to come enjoy the experience.
“It is a matter of pride for us to have an IPL Fan Park in Goa, as a lot of states are looking forward to hosting it. We invite everyone to come with their friends and families to enjoy the matches. There will be plenty of entertainment, lucky draws, food at concessional rates, and games for kids,” He said.
BCCI representative Irfan Dadan said the IPL Fan Park concept had started in 2015 and was now conducted across multiple cities every weekend during the IPL season.
“This is held every year. Every weekend, it takes place across five cities all over India. We have had fan parks earlier in Goa for the last two years. The purpose was to promote cricket and the IPL in places where matches are not played. The BCCI wanted people to experience what it is like to watch an IPL match in a stadium. It is like a carnival that happens every year,” he said.
He added that the Fan Park in Margao is expected to accommodate around 10,000 people.
“We have been getting a good response all over India. Whenever we get a good response, we try to return to those cities. Last year at Porvorim, we had an excellent response for the fan park in Goa,” Dadan said.
He also said that one lucky visitor could win an original jersey signed by IPL players.
“One of the purposes is community weaving, where people from all walks of life come together and enjoy. Entry is free. The safety and security of the people will be taken care of. There will be free drinking water, washrooms, and fire safety. Matches will be shown on large screens to offer a stadium-like experience, with the same feel and atmosphere of a stadium. There will be fun activities for kids, and special seating zones for senior citizens and women,” he added.
The Fan Park will be held at the SGPDA Ground opposite Inox Theatre in Fatorda, Margao.
The May 16 screening of Kolkata Knight Riders versus Gujarat Titans will begin at 6.30 pm. On May 17, screenings of Punjab Kings versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals versus Rajasthan Royals will begin from 2.30 pm onwards.
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