Which Is The Best Stand In Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

Best Stands to Watch a Cricket Match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium also known as Pune Cricket Stadium:The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium (MCA Stadium), also known as the Pune Cricket Stadium, is located in Gahunje village on the outskirts of Pune city. It is owned and operated by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). The stadium is situated beside the Pune-Mumbai expressway in Pune district.

The MCA Stadium is a modern cricket stadium with a capacity of 33,108 spectators. It was built in 2008 and has hosted many international cricket matches, including Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is.

Best Hotels Near Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium

Best Stand In Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium History

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium (MCA Stadium) is a cricket stadium in Gahunje, Pune, India. It is the home ground of the Maharashtra cricket team and the Maharashtra women’s cricket team. The stadium was designed by British architect Sir Michael Hopkins and has a capacity of 37,406.

The MCA Stadium was inaugurated in 2012 by then BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar. The first IPL match was played at the stadium in April 2012 between Kings XI Punjab and Pune Warriors. The first T20I match was played in December 2012 between India and England. The stadium hosted its first Test match in February 2017 between India and Australia.

Pune hosted a game of the 1996 World Cup between Kenya and West Indies at the Swargate’s Nehru stadium. The stadium was in contention to host the 2011 World Cup games but was not able to do so due to construction delays.

A total of 5 matches of the 2023 World Cup have been scheduled to be played at the MCA Stadium, including India vs. Bangladesh.

Memorable Milestones

In its relatively short history, the stadium has hosted significant matches. The IPL debut here happened in April 2012, with a match between Kings XI Punjab and Pune Warriors. The first T20I soon followed in December 2012. The grounds, however, truly felt the weight of international cricket during its first Test match in February 2017 between cricket giants India and Australia.

Pune Cricket Stadium Stands

It is the home ground of the Maharashtra cricket team and has hosted international matches, including One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

The stadium has a capacity of 33,000 spectators, of which 75% do not have a roof. The stands are named as follows:

  • North Stand
  • North East Stand
  • North West Stand
  • East Stand
  • South East Stand
  • South Pavilion Stand A
  • South Pavilion Stand B
  • South West Stand
  • West Stand
  • Presidents Lounge
  • South Lower Level 2
  • South Upper Level 3

The best stand in the stadium is the South Stand. It has a good view of the pitch and is close to the pavilion. The South Pavilion Stands A and B are also good options, as they are located behind the dugout and closest to the dressing rooms.

The following are some of the factors to consider when choosing a stand in the MCA Stadium:

  • View of the pitch: The South Stand has the best view of the pitch, as it is located directly behind the bowler’s arm.
  • Price: The prices of the tickets vary depending on the stand. The South Stand is the most expensive, while the North Stand is the cheapest.
  • Atmosphere: The atmosphere in the stadium can be very different depending on the stand. The South Stand is usually the most lively, while the North Stand is the most quiet.

Which Is The Best Stand In Pune Stadium

The Pune Cricket Stadium is designed to offer unobstructed views from all seats. However, some stands offer better views than others.

The South Stand is generally considered to be the best stand in the stadium. It is located between mid-wicket and long-on, which gives you a good view of the bowler’s arm and the batsman’s shots. It is also close to the pavilion, so you are close to the action.

If you want to get a closer look at your favorite players, the South Pavilion Stand B is a good option. It is located behind the dugout and closest to the dressing rooms.

Ultimately, the best stand for you will depend on your preferences and budget. If you want the best view of the match, the South Stand is the best choice. If you want to be close to the action, the South Pavilion Stand B is a good option.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of each stand:

StandProsCons
South StandBest view of the matchMore expensive
South Pavilion Stand BClose to the actionLess expensive
Other standsStill offer good viewsLess expensive than the South Stand

Note:*The view is subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors.

Conclusion

To truly feel the pulse of cricket in Pune, a visit to the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium is a must. Whether it’s the architectural genius, the history-soaked grounds, or the sheer thrill of watching a match from the best stands, the experience is unparalleled.

Rivcky John

A prominent figure in sports journalism for the last two decades. Cricket Analyst & Writing News, Features, Match Previews/Reviews/Reports, And Opinion Pieces on Cricket. You can connect with him on Facebook also.