While sitting
in the stands at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
watching AFC match, I wondered why I was not able to enjoy it as I used to do
when I watch matches at Dr Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi or Cooperage, Mumbai. The
same feeling was there while watching ISL matches at Nehru Stadium, Delhi.
There was one question in my mind, whether it makes a difference in experience
while watching a match in a football stadium and a multipurpose sports stadium.
It took some time to convince myself that you relate to the match much more
when watching in a football stadium. Faces of the players are more clear and
visible. Overall the action on field is just in front of you, hardly a few
meters away. In a multipurpose sports arena, the distance is comparatively larger
to identify players especially for fans who don’t recognise players by face.
Also the action on field is too far to feel the heat and excitement.
I hardly see
any EPL matches in a multipurpose sports arena (It is a different aspect that
EPL clubs can afford their own stadiums. Here the concern is of spectator
experience). Many of our ISL and I – League matches are played in a
multipurpose sports stadiums. I am not sure how much it adversely affects the
experience of spectators in particular or the game is general. But the issue might
seem as an appropriate topic for interesting debate or surveys.
Till then
enjoy the beautiful game!!!
