Greenfield International Stadium

The Greenfield International Stadium, officially known as The Sports Hub, Trivandrum, is a multi-purpose international stadium located in Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, India. Built on 36 acres of land leased from the University of Kerala, it is the country's first DBOT (Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer) model outdoor stadium, boasting a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators. Primarily utilized for international cricket and association football, the world-class facility is recognized as India's first fully eco-friendly stadium. It has hosted key sporting events, including the 2015 SAFF Championship and various high-profile international cricket fixtures, and was awarded the prestigious David Vickers Award for New Venue of the Year at the 2016 Stadium Business Awards in Madrid, Spain. Facilities The playing arena has been constructed in line with FIFA and International Cricket Council norms. It has a seating capacity for 50,000 spectators. The stadium has been demarcated into four zones, where the north zone is dedicated to cricket, the east zone for football and each zone has a players' lounge, gymnasium, media center, and stock room. Shopping malls and a food court are placed in the south zone. The adjoining Pavilion accommodates the latest facilities for squash, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, and an Olympic size swimming pool. The first fully eco-friendly stadium in India, it is surrounded by green plants and also has a rainwater harvesting facility. The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority and Pollution Control Board have commended the builders for the green initiatives taken. The stadium is 13.3 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 10.2 km from Thiruvananthapuram North Railway Station, 14.4 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and Central Bus Station Thiruvananthapuram. Cricket at the Venue On 27 May 2016, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) signed an agreement with Kariyavattom Sports Facilities Limited (KSFL) to take Greenfield Stadium on lease until 18 November 2027. According to the agreement, the KCA will be using the stadium for 180 days a year (from 1 October to 31 January and from 1 April to 30 May). However, the KCA can still hold cricket matches on other days if the stadium is available. The KCA will be held responsible for the maintenance of the playing area inside the stadium. The KCA will pay a fixed amount as fees and will share revenue with KSFL when international matches are held at the stadium. A joint committee consisting of six members, three each from KCA and KSFL, will manage and monitor the activities during the lease period. The KCA members in the committee will be its secretary and president. The square boundaries are approximately 65 metres, while the straighter boundaries are approximately 70 metres. International Men's cricket matches 1st ODI On 1 November 2018, India played against West Indies in an ODI, the second international game to be played at the ground, with the home team winning by 9 wickets. 2nd ODI On 15 January 2023, India played against Sri Lanka in an ODI, the second ODI game to be played at the ground, with the home team winning by 317 runs. 1st T20I On 7 November 2017, India played a T20I against New Zealand on the ground. The match was reduced to 8 overs per side due to rain, with India winning by 6 runs. 2nd T20I On 8 December 2019, India played against West Indies in a T20I. The match was won by West Indies. 3rd T20I On 28 September 2022, India played against South Africa in a T20I. The match was won by India. 4th T20I On 26 November 2023, India played against Australia in a T20I. The match was won by India. ODI records Source: Kerala Cricket League The Greenfield International Stadium serves as the exclusive, centralized venue for the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), a premier state-level franchise T20 tournament organized by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) with the support of the BCCI. Since the league's inaugural season, the world-class arena has hosted all matches of the competition, drawing cricket fans from across the region to witness local talent. To elevate the spectator experience and match quality, the stadium underwent major infrastructure upgrades, including the grand inauguration of state-of-the-art LED floodlights ahead of KCL Season 2. Awards The Sports Hub, Trivandrum was adjudged as the winner of the David Vickers Award for New Venue of the Year, in the Stadium Business Awards 2016 held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain on 1 June 2016. See also List of association football stadiums by capacity List of stadiums in India List of international cricket grounds in India References External links Greenfield International Stadium ESPNcricinfo The Sports Hub Trivandrum official website Archived 26 June 2019 at the Wayback Machine