EMS Stadium
The EMS Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, India which is currently used mostly for football matches.[1]
| EMS Stadium | |
 | |
| Location | Rajaji road, Kozhikode, Kerala |
|---|---|
| Establishment | 1977 |
| Capacity | 80,000 (limited to 53,000 by FIFA) |
| Owner | Kozhikode Corporation |
| Architect | RK Remesh |
| Operator | Kerala Cricket Association Kerala Football Association |
| Tenants | Present India national football team (1987–present) Kerala football team (1960–present) Kerala United FC (2012–present) Gokulam Kerala FC (2017–present) Past |
| End names | |
| Indore Stadium End Road End | |
| As of 14 July 2014 Source: cricinfo | |
The stadium is currently the home of I league side Gokulam Kerala FC and holds more than 80,000 and was built in 1977. It is equipped with floodlights for conducting both football and cricket matches. The stadium is named after the Communist leader E. M. S. Namboodiripad who was the first Chief Minister of Kerala.
Renovations
The stadium was reconstructed and reopened in February 2005 by hosting the home matches of SBT in the national football league.
The stadium has installed improved floodlight. It is renovated as international stadium for football and cricket. The stadium may also be leased to Kerala Cricket Association while Kerala Football Association would like the stadium in their possession.
The construction of the grand stand will raise stadium to international standards. It will have state-of-the-art facilities, including a VIP lounge with seating capacity for 200, a VIP lounge, a dressing room for players and a media centre. [2]
Football
It was recognised as the best football pitch in India by the experts and the media. It was the home ground of Viva Kerala FC in the I-league, though now Kerala United FC is the team from Kozhikode trying to get into I League. It was also the home ground of Gokulam Kerala FC In the I-league. This stadium is famous for the football crazy fans of Kozhikode. Famous scissors cup finals, super cup finals, Santhosh Trophy, Sait Nagjee Football Tournament is held here. The stadium is the home ground for Gokulam Kerala team in I-League since 2017. Gokulam Kerala had won their first I-League home match against East Bengal FC for 2–1 and Shillong Lajong FC for 3-2.
Major football matches hosted
1980 AFC Women's Asian Cup Football which the Indian team won silver was held here.1980 AFC Women's Championship
1987 Nehru Cup
The stadium hosted the 1987 Nehru Cup, which was won by the Soviet Union
| 22 January 1987 International friendly | India  | 1−1 |  China PR | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 1,00,000 |
| 28 January 1987 International friendly | India | 0−2 |  Bulgaria | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 75,000 |
| 1 February 1987 International friendly | India | 1−1 |  Denmark | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 74,000 |
| 21 January 1987 International friendly | Germany  | 1−1 |  Soviet Union | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 85,000 |
| 23 January 1987 International friendly | Denmark | 0−1 | Bulgaria | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 35,000 |
| 24 January 1987 International friendly | Syria  | 0−3 | Soviet Union | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 45,000 |
| 25 January 1987 International friendly | Denmark | 2−0 | China PR | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 35,000 |
| 26 January 1987 International friendly | Nigeria  | 1−0 | Syria | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 45,000 |
| 27 January 1987 International friendly | Germany | 1−0 | Nigeria | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 40,000 |
| 29 January 1987 International friendly | Bulgaria | 4−0 | China PR | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 45,000 |
| 30 January 1987 International friendly | Germany | 1−2 | Syria | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 48,000 |
| 31 January 1987 International friendly | Nigeria | 0−3 | Soviet Union | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 55,000 |
| 2 February 1987 International friendly | Germany | 1−3 | Bulgaria | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 78,000 |
| 3 February 1987 International friendly | Soviet Union | 3−0 | Denmark | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 63,000 |
| 5 February 1987 International friendly | Soviet Union | 2−0 | Bulgaria | Kozhikode |
| Stadium: EMS Stadium Attendance: 75,000 |
Sait Nagjee Football Tournament
2016 Sait Nagjee Trophy Teams
National Games
The stadium hosted football matches for the 35th National Games.[3]
Other uses
Cricket
It also hosted the veterans of India and Pakistan cricket match in which legends like Ijaz Ahmed, Syed Kirmani and others played. In 1994, touring West Indies had taken Mumbai in a three-day encounter. West Indies were dismissed for 176 and Bombay ended the day at 53/2. The match, however, had to be called off after the opening day owing to law and order problems in the wake of a bandh.
Other Event
It also hosted many cultural events held at Kozhikode like malabar mahotsavam. It also hosted the inaugural performance of world tour of A. R. Rahman, the Academy Award–winning musician.
Accessibility
The Kozhikode EMS Stadium is located in the heart of the city. It lies beside the Pavamani Road between Rajaji road and New Bus stand, a common stretch among many city bus routes. The Stadium Mavoor Road from the Western side allows access from Mananchira and Arayadathupalam, although there is no public transport along this route. The stadium is situated at 2.5 km from the Kozhikode railway station and railway stations respectively. The stadium is 26.km from Calicut International Airport,and 30 km from Thamarassery
References
- "football in Calicut".
- "EMS Stadium Gets Ready for Some Cricketing Action".
- "Kerala to host 35th National Games from January 31". 27 June 2014 – via www.thehindu.com.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to EMS Stadium. |