Popular Stadiums in Chennai

As a sports enthusiast, a unique thrill comes with being in the midst of a live game. The electrifying atmosphere, the collective gasp of the crowd, the palpable tension in the air - an experience that simply can't be replicated on a screen. And if you're someone who prefers the raw excitement of a stadium to the passive viewing of a screen, then Chennai, a city renowned for its sports stadiums, is undoubtedly a destination that should be on your radar.

In India, we are deeply connected to sports. It's not just a pastime, but a part of our cultural fabric. Cricket, in particular, holds a special place in our hearts. It's more than just a game - it's a phenomenon that brings us together, cutting across regional, linguistic, and social barriers. The cricket stadium, in this context, is not just a venue for a game, but a space where unity is celebrated.

Chennai, the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu, is a city that understands this passion. It is home to some of the most iconic stadiums in the country, each with its unique charm and history. These stadiums have witnessed countless thrilling matches, cheered on by passionate fans, and have been the training ground for many athletes who have made their mark in various sports.

M.A. Chidambaram Stadium

The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, fondly known as the Chepauk Stadium, is a beacon of cricket in India. Established in 1916, it stands as the second oldest cricket stadium in the country, a testament to its rich history and contribution to the sport. Named after M. A. Chidambaram, the former president of BCCI and the head of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, the stadium has been a pivotal part of India’s cricket journey. The stadium serves as the home ground for the Tamil Nadu cricket team and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It has been the backdrop for many thrilling matches and memorable performances, contributing significantly to the legacy of these teams.

Accessibility to the stadium is facilitated by the Chennai Metro, with the Government Estate station nearby, as well as the Chepauk MRTS railway station, making it convenient for fans to reach the venue and enjoy the matches. The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is more than just a sports venue; it’s a symbol of Chennai’s passion for cricket. It has been a nurturing ground for many athletes who have left their mark in the sport, playing a crucial role in shaping their careers. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or a sports history buff, a visit to the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium offers a unique insight into the city’s sporting culture and is sure to be a memorable experience.

Location : Chepauk

Address : 1, Wallahjah Rd, Chepauk, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002

Landscape- area : 752,000 sq ft

Capacity : 38,200

Home Teams : Tamil Nadu cricket team, CSK and IPL

Pitch : Grass

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, also known as the Marina Arena, is a multi-purpose stadium in Chennai. Established in 1993 and is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. The stadium is a hub for various activities, hosting football matches, athletic competitions, and even functions and concerts. It also houses a multipurpose indoor stadium that accommodates 5,000 spectators for volleyball, basketball, and table tennis games. Conveniently located at Sydenhams Road, Park Town, it's situated behind the Chennai Central suburban railway station and the Ripon Building and is well connected through the Chennai Metro by the Government Estate station. The stadium serves as the home ground for the Tamil Nadu football team and Chennaiyin FC, the Indian Super League team representing the city. Interestingly, the stadium was built in the area where the old Madras Zoo was located before it was shifted to its present location at Vandalur.

Location : Periyamet

Address : Raja Muthiah Rd, Kannappar Thidal, Periyamet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003

Capacity : 40,000

Home Teams : Chennaiyin FC, Tamil Nadu football team, Indian Bank Recreational Club

Pitch : Grass

Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium

The Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, located in Chennai is a symbol of the city’s rich hockey legacy. Constructed in 1995 for the SAF Games, it was initially known as the Corporation Stadium and later renamed after M. Radhakrishna Pillai. The stadium has hosted several international hockey matches, including the 1996 Men’s Champions Trophy and the 2007 Asia Cup. It is also the venue for numerous domestic tournaments and was the home ground of the World Series Hockey team Chennai Cheetahs. In 2004, the stadium underwent a significant upgrade, including a re-laid synthetic hockey surface and international standard floodlights. The Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium continues to attract large crowds for the finals of both domestic and international tournaments, standing as a testament to Chennai’s enduring love for hockey.

Location : Egmore

Address : Room No. 1, Mayor Radha Krishnan, Hockey Stadium, 30, Gandhi Irwin Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008

Capacity : 8,670

Home Teams : World Series Hockey team Chennai Cheetahs

Pitch : Artificial Turf

Chennai Tennis Stadium

The SDAT Tennis Stadium, also known as the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium, is a renowned tennis venue located in Nungambakkam. Constructed in 1995 by the Government of Tamil Nadu for the South Asian Federation Games. The stadium has been the host for the Chennai Open ATP Tennis championships held in the first week of January from 1996 to 2017. It witnessed some dramatic scenes in 1998 when legends like Boris Becker and Patrick Rafter took part in the then-named Goldflake Open. The stadium also witnessed the birth of the celebrated Indian doubles pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi who won the first three editions of the Goldflake Open. The stadium continues to be a symbol of Chennai’s rich tennis history and its contribution to the sport in India.

Location : Nungambakkam

Address : CHENNAI TENNIS STADIUM, Corporation School Road, 4th Cross St, Lake Area, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034

Capacity : 5,800

Pitch : Hard, Outdoors