PORVORIM: Goa Cricket Association has (GCA) announced Tata IPL Fan Park will be staged on May 16 and 17 at the SGPDA ground, Margao.
On May 16, the match between KKR and GT will be showcased in the arena; while on May 17, the matches between PBKS vs RCB and DC vs RR will be screened.
GCA President, Mahesh Dessai said: “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 said that three matches will be telecast on the big screen at the venue over the two days.
“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.
Irfan Dadan, BCCI representative, said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had started this concept in 2015 across 15 cities. “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. The capacity will be 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,” he said.
He also said that one lucky winner could win an original jersey signed by the 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.
