The roar of the crowd, the tension of a final-over thriller, and the electric atmosphere of a packed stadium are no longer luxuries reserved for those in metro hubs. As the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares for its grand opening on March 28, 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the first phase of its Fan Park schedule.
Designed to democratize the live cricket experience, the 2026 Fan Park initiative will kick off across 15 cities in 11 states during the first three weekends of the tournament. This phase is strategically aligned with the league’s opening matches, including the highly anticipated curtain-raiser between the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
IPL Fan Park 2026: Venues and schedule details
The Fan Park rollout is meticulously planned to ensure regional representation across the North, South, East, and West zones. For residents in cities like Rohtak, Bhopal, and Nizamabad, these parks serve as a community-driven alternative to the stadium, free of cost and full of fervour.
The schedule for the first three weeks is as follows:
| Week | Date | City | State | Venue |
| Week 1 | March 28 & 29 | Rohtak | Haryana | Chhotu Ram Polytechnic Ground |
| March 28 & 29 | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Govt. MVM College Ground | |
| March 28 & 29 | Nagpur | Maharashtra | Mecosabagh Methodist High School Playground | |
| March 28 & 29 | Tumakuru | Karnataka | Government Junior College Field | |
| March 28 & 29 | Krishnanagar | West Bengal | DL Roy Stadium | |
| Week 2 | April 4 & 5 | Mathura | Uttar Pradesh | Amarnath Vidya Ashram |
| April 4 & 5 | Jodhpur | Rajasthan | Barkatullah Khan Stadium | |
| April 4 & 5 | Nizamabad | Telangana | Women’s Educational Society Grounds | |
| April 4 & 5 | Mysuru | Karnataka | SBRR Mahajana First Grade College | |
| April 4 & 5 | Bhubaneswar | Odisha | KITS University Stadium | |
| Week 3 | April 11 & 12 | Meerut | Uttar Pradesh | Bhainsali Ground |
| April 11 & 12 | Nadiad | Gujarat | Radhe Farm | |
| April 11 & 12 | Ratnagiri | Maharashtra | Swargiya Pramod Mahajan Krida Sankul | |
| April 11 & 12 | Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | Hindustan College of Arts & Science | |
| April 11 & 12 | Rourkela | Odisha | Sector 17 Ground |
Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s how to book tickets for Mumbai Indians’ home matches
An immersive match-day experience initiative by BCCI
Since its inception in 2015, the Fan Park concept has evolved from a simple big screen event into a full-scale cricket carnival. The 2026 edition promises to be the most interactive yet. Families can expect dedicated kids’ play zones and food courts offering local delicacies, while die-hard enthusiasts can test their skills in virtual batting cages and bowling nets.
To capture the digital-first spirit of modern fans, the BCCI has integrated 360° photo booths and cheer-o-meters to measure the crowd’s decibel levels during boundary-hitting moments. This year’s phased announcement, necessitated by the logistical overlap with upcoming State Assembly elections, ensures that security and fan comfort remain the top priorities. By bringing the stadium feel to the backyards of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, the IPL continues to prove why it is more than just a tournament; it is a nationwide festival.
