Chinnaswamy Stadium gets green light from government to host IPL 2026 matches
M Chinnaswamy Stadium (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 16 Mar 2026, 01:23 PM• Read time - 2 mins
The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has finally received the Karnataka state government approval to host matches, meaning the iconic venue will now be able to host IPL 2026 matches in the weeks to come.
An expert committee, formed by the state home minister, conducted an audit of the stadium premises on last Friday, focusing on the structural changes made and the measures planned to manage the crowds. The outcome of the review came out positive today as the final approval was given after a meeting between the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials, RCB senior management, and the members of the committee.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium is slated to host five RCB games along with two knockout matches including the final. RCB's remaining two league matches will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur. Notably, the season opener will be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium with the home team clashing against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.
Among the measures taken place to ensure safety and hassle-free experience for the patrons, the KSCA has constructed six new entry points and widened the existing gates. Additionally, the old NCA premises will be utilised for holding the fans before they make their way towards their respective gates.
As per ESPNcricinfo, all the structural changes that have taken place have happened in the last two months after the KSCA elections were held in December 2025. As a matter of fact, RCB and their event management partner will now take over the stadium for the duration of the IPL.
The venue, steeped in rich Indian cricketing history, last organised a competitive game during IPL 2025 after which the stampede which killed 11 people occurred during the RCB victory celebrations on June 3.
Meanwhile, the IPL has announced the schedule for the first 20 matches only and, apart from the season opener, the Chinnaswamy Stadium is slated to host one more game on April 5 as RCB host the Chennai Super Kings.
