Refurbished Fatorda stadium all set for opening ceremony

 The new-look Pandit Jawaharla Nehru stadium at Fatorda is all set to host the grand opening ceremony as well as the closing ceremony of the Lusofonia

Games 2014.

The refurbished stadium is having an absolute grand new look and the modern international standard facilities provided to the lovely stadium is sure to make every Goan as well Indian feel happy and proud about it.

The stadium qualifies all the requirements of an international stadium and it will be worth visiting there to get the feel of how an international stadium looks like.

The stadium is worthy to be admired for the kind of work that has gone into its making and while giving it entirely a new look albeit at the cost of Rs 54 crorers, as disclosed by a high ranking government source.

“The imposing, colossal and beautiful stadium is worthy to be called a marvel and it is definitely a feather in Goa’s cap,” the source said.

Stadium manager Guru Vernekar when contacted to elaborate on the new facilities that have been incorporated in the stadium, said, “First of all, it must be mentioned that before the refurnishing work had commenced, the stadium had a capacity of 27000 spectators. And now so many other facilities of international standards have been installed or are available at the stadium.”

“Earlier there were chairs only at the West stand but now they have been installed in all stands. There are about 24500 chairs that are installed now on all the stands and these chairs are brand new,” he said.

Speaking further he said, “Earlier the spectators were sitting on the steps on East, North and South stands except the West, where there were chairs. But now the newly renovated stadium has chairs in all the stands and they are of very good quality too.”

“The VVIPs and VIPs stands have also undergone a complete change as there is a big deck in the lounge which can accommodate at least 200 seats.”

A lift has also been installed for VIPs and VVIPs and it should be operational soon, 

he informed.

The entrance at the stadium also has a new look with beautiful imposing pillars, artistically built as well as high quality glass work that gives additional beauty to the entrance with nicely built 1-foot thick road all around the stadium.

As for the turf in the playing arena is concerned, the grass is also imported and has a breathtaking view. It is all ready as well. There is a proper drainage system facility at the playing arena and matches now can be conducted in any season without any problems. “Rain or shine, the stadium is available for all big matches of international standards,” Vernekar said.

“The dressing rooms have also been renovated with high class toilets everywhere,” he said, adding, “there is a good medical room with all facilities and approach road to the ground so as to tackle emergency situations.”

“All stands have now been renovated with good ceiling as well as cover. The pillars have also been designed well and there are internal roads so that no hitch happens at any time.

All in all, we have the best stadium in the state of Goa,” said a proud Vernekar.

Meanwhile, Games CEO Keshav Chandra and EE Nitin Nerekar made a short visit to the practice venues at Rosary grounds—Navelim, Cuncolim grounds, Nagoa grounds, Benaulim grounds and Raia grounds and expressed total satisfaction with the work.