Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a tragic incident last year when 11 people lost their lives in a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium during their IPL victory celebrations. This led to a halt in competitive cricket at the venue, but efforts have been made to bring IPL games back to RCB’s home ground. In a gesture of remembrance, RCB management announced plans to honor the victims before their 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat revealed that 11 seats at the stadium will be permanently reserved in memory of the deceased. Players will also wear jersey number 11 during practice sessions throughout the season. Additionally, a memorial plaque will be unveiled near the stadium entrance for reflection.
To ensure better crowd management and avoid a repeat of the previous year’s tragic incident, RCB has implemented AI-led CCTV solutions at the stadium and invested in enhanced infrastructure. The team will play five home matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium and two in Raipur during the IPL 2026 season. These measures aim to pay tribute to the fans and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all spectators.
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