Mumbai: The countdown has begun for another edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), and fans can’t wait for the 2026 season to kick off with a clash between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28.
Like in previous years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will set up Fan Parks in several cities to expand the IPL experience beyond the hosting stadiums.
The schedule for IPL Fan Parks during the first three weekends of the popular T20 league has been announced.
Odisha’s Rourkela and Bhubaneswar are among 15 cities, across 11 states, that will get Fan Parks over the first three weeks to give fans a chance to enjoy the thrill of IPL matches in a lively, community-focused setting.
In Rourkela, the Fan Park will be set up during Week 1 (March 28 & 29), at the Sector 17 ground.
As for Bhubaneswar, the Fan Park will be organised during the second weekend (April 4 & 5), at the KIIT University stadium.
At every Fan Park, which will offer live match screenings and multiple engaging on-site activities such as music, entertainment, food courts, kids’ play zones and interactive fan experiences like virtual batting, bowling nets, face painting, cheer-o-meters, and 360-degree photo booths.
Entry is completely free for fans at the Fan Parks, but one has to pay for food, snacks, water, and other services if anyone wishes to indulge. There will also be stalls selling team merchandise including jerseys, caps and other accessories.
Rourkela and Bhubaneswar apart, Fan Parks during the first three weekends will also be set up at Rohtak, Bhopal, Nagpur, Tumakuru, Krishnanagar, Mathura, Jodhpur, Nizamabad, Mysuru, Meerut, Nadiad, Ratnagiri and Coimbatore.
Details about the subsequent IPL Fan Parks will be released after the schedule for the next phase is announced.
