2. Kaloor International Stadium, Kochi
Also known as the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, this ground was built in 1996 and boasts of unique modern facilities rarely found in India. The venue can open its arms for over 65,000 people and has even seen an attendance of over 1,00,000 in an International match between India and Iraq, in 1997!
Home to the Kerala Blasters team of ISL, the venue has recorded attendances in excess of 55,000 in several matches. The stadium has a unique aspect – its unique lighting towers. The lighting towers have a capacity of 2 kW Floodlights and can provide lighting levels for full HD telecast when switched on. The structure of the tower is also one of a kind in India.
The Kaloor International Stadium would be one of the hosts during the FIFA U-17 World Cup, 2017. In 2014, former England International David James played at the Kaloor International Stadium representing the home team. In the subsequent season, Spanish star Carlos Marchena made the venue his home.
FIFA would take over the stadium in April 2017 for preparations for the World Cup. The crowd pulling ability of the stadium makes it one of the most interesting atmospheres in football in the country.
