Cuttack: In order to ensure smooth entry of people to Barbati Stadium in Odisha’s Cuttack city to watch the opening ceremony of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup-2023 on January 11, the CMC has opened 4 counters for redemption of online tickets at different places.
According to sources in Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), the counters have been opened at CDA Arunodaya Market, Big Bazar Mall, Naya Bazar block office and CDA Sector 6 market complex. Those, who have already obtained online tickets for the inaugural show, can redeem those at these counters from 11 am to 7 pm till January 10.
The authorities had started sale of online tickets on December 28 last year and the CMC opened counters at 8 educational institutions in the city for offline tickets.
The offline ticket counters have been opened at National Law University, Ravenshaw University, Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, JKBK College, Christ College, Stewart Science College, Indira Gandhi College and MS Law University in the city here.
Around 40,000, including players and officials from 16 countries and guests from across India, are expected to attend the opening ceremony, which is expected to begin at 3 pm. Spectators will be allowed to enter the stadium an hour earlier.
Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Disha Patani besides K-Pop brand BLACKSWAN featuring Shreya Lenka of Odisha are scheduled to perform in the opening ceremony. Many local artistes will also perform at the event.
Earlier in the day, Cuttack DCP Pinak Mishra said security arrangement has been made along the lines of international cricket tournaments for the grand opening ceremony. “A three-fold security system will be in place with 50 platoons of police force, including 200 officers. Security will be beefed up both inside and outside the stadium for the event,” he said.