Greenfield International Stadium


The Sports Hub, Trivandrum, commonly known as Greenfield International Stadium, and formerly known as Trivandrum International Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Kerala, used mainly for association football and cricket. The stadium is located at Kariavattom in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, India. It was built on 36 acres of land leased by the Kerala University for Rs 94 lakhs per year for a period of 15 years.
It is India's first DBOT model outdoor stadium. The Greenfield Stadium became India's 50th international cricket venue on 7 November 2017 when it hosted a T20I against New Zealand. On 1 November 2018, the venue hosted its first ODI.

Facilities

The ground is designed such that it can be used for international cricket and football. The playing arena in the stadium has been constructed in line with FIFA regulations 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 13.3km from Trivandrum International Airport, 14.4km from Trivandrum Central Railway Station, and Central Bus Station Thiruvananthapuram.

Construction details

It was the first stadium in India built on the DBOT basis. It is also the first stadium in the country to be developed on annuity mode.
The Greenfield stadium will be operated for 15 years by the company that built it. It will then be handed over to the University of Kerala, which has leased 36 acres for it. The university will receive Rs 94 lakhs per year as a lease.

Cricket

On 27 May 2016, the Kerala Cricket Association signed an agreement with Kariyavattom Sports Facilities Limited 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. 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.

First international cricket matches hosted

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.

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.

Football

The first international football tournament hosted by the stadium was the 2015 SAFF championship. India were crowned the champions, beating Afghanistan 2-1. The final recorded an attendance in excess of 40,000.

Semi-final

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Final

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.