As the new IPL season commences, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host tributes within the stadium.
Eleven seats, anticipated to be grouped together within a premier stand, will remain unsold for any match, including international games, and will be kept cordoned off as a gesture of respect.
On June 4, 2025, 11 individuals were killed and numerous others injured when a large crowd gathered outside the stadium to celebrate RCB’s first IPL title.
The tragedy occurred as fans surged forward, trying to catch a glimpse of players like Virat Kohli. Reports indicate that victims collapsed due to suffocation in the overwhelming crowd.
On match days, RCB will conduct a tribute ceremony before play begins. The names of the victims will be displayed in the stadium, followed by a minute’s silence, during which the visiting team is also expected to participate.
A memorial plaque will be unveiled near the inner entrance, close to an existing mural, ahead of the team’s opening home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This plaque will establish a permanent area within the venue for remembering the victims.
???? 11 EMPTY SEATS TO REMEMBER THE TRAGIC LOSS????
– Karnataka Cricket Association has decided to unveil a memorial Plaque, along with RCB, it will reserve 11 seats in the Chinnaswamy stadium in the memory of the stampede victims. [TOI] pic.twitter.com/QBv4Ef9tDe— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 24, 2026
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad stated that the decision was made after discussions with stakeholders.
“It’s painful to even reflect on that day,” Prasad told The Times of India.
“We collectively believed it was essential to honor the memory of those 11 individuals. We aim to remember them without rekindling any distress. Thus, we chose to place an epitaph for the cricket fans whose lives were tragically cut short.”
The 2025 tragedy resulted in major administrative changes and the establishment of a committee led by Prasad. For the 2026 season, officials have implemented several safety enhancements at the stadium.
All M-ticket holders are now required to complete digital verification to alleviate crowding at entry points. Each ticket now includes a complimentary Metro pass to assist in managing fan flow.
Additionally, officials have introduced six new entry points and expanded walkways to facilitate easier movement.
