1. Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
The host to one of the most frenzied footballing rivalries in world football, the Salt Lake Stadium, also known as the Yuva Bharti Krirangan, could host up to 120,000 spectators until very recently. Renovations have reduced the capacity to 68,000 viewers, which still makes it India’s biggest footballing coliseum.
A favorite to host the U-17 World Cup Final in 2017, the Salt Lake Stadium is one of the most historic grounds in the world. It hosted the farewell match of Germany star goalkeeper Oliver Kahn against Mohun Bagan, the visitors winning 3-0. Argentine football demigod Lionel Messi also mesmerized the crowds in this stadium, when the La Albiceleste faced Venezuela in a friendly.
Hosts to Kolkata-based ISL club Atletico de Kolkata, this venue saw the first match of the Indian Super League ever, featuring Pune City FC against the host team. The ground also features the ferocious derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, which has grossed crowds to the tune of 131,000 in 1997.
The stadium recently switched from artificial turf to natural grass as part of preparations for hosting the U-17 World Cup in 2017. The atmosphere here is electric and draws a comparison to any football stadium in the world. Known for its obsession with football, the ground has a sheepish resemblance to the Maracana stadium in Brazil, which hosted the 2014 Football World Cup Final.
