Source TOI
Kolkata — Football lovers in Kolkata have a huge reason to cheer. After seeing rows of empty seats during India’s clash with Brazil, organisers have stepped in with a massive 90% price cut. Tickets that cost ₹1,999 on Sunday morning are now available for as little as ₹199 for India’s upcoming international friendly against Uruguay at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Why Were Prices Cut So Low?
The move comes after disappointing crowd numbers during the Brazil encounter. While Brazil arrived with global stars such as Vinicius Jr. and Marquinhos to win 4–0, only about 51,400 supporters turned up at the 85,000-capacity Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
With more than 33,000 seats left vacant in a city famous for its passion for football, critics and fans pointed out that steep ticket rates kept everyday supporters away. In response, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) decided to make seats far more affordable, cutting prices sharply in selected blocks (such as C2 Left and C2 Right) to make sure fans can pack the stands.
A Star-Studded Opponent Awaits
Even with the huge discount, the quality on the pitch remains world-class. Uruguay, ranked 20th in the world and two-time World Cup champions, are being coached by legendary striker Diego Forlan.
For the Indian national team, managed by Khalid Jamil, this marks the third and final fixture in their recent run of high-profile friendlies—following a 1–1 draw against Panama in Bengaluru and the tough test against Brazil.
Bonus Gesture for Fans
Alongside the discount, authorities have also announced a special goodwill initiative: roughly 22,000 free tickets will be provided to fans who had faced chaos and could not properly watch last year’s Lionel Messi event at the same venue.
With prices down to ₹199 and a football powerhouse visiting town, organizers are hoping Kolkata’s iconic stadium will be buzzing with noise and energy under the floodlights.
