Goa - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa will host Group C (Germany, Costa Rica, Guinea and Iran) matches during the preliminary round of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup
The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at Fatorda in Margao, Goa, is the smallest of the venues that would host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. With a capacity of just 19,000 seats, the stadium is also Goa’s only international stadium and is the current home for football clubs such as Salgaocar SC, Sporting Clube de Goa and Dempo and the ISL franchise FC Goa. It was refurbished when it hosted the Lusofonia Games in 2014. When Goa being one of the states that has had an overwhelming contribution to football, the stadium has also hosted a number of international games, including qualifiers for the World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.
However, despite such rich footballing history, ticket sales had been a concern for Tournament director at the Local Organising Committee Javier Ceppi. While speaking to PTI, Ceppi had stated: “The main concern has been the response of the crowd so far, as the ticket sales has been low. We hope that Goa picks up and that it justifies its status as one of the hotbeds for football in India.” Sales have picked up following setting up a box office in Goa.
How to get there
Flights and trains are available from all major cities in India. Also, bus services from Mumbai, Bangalore etc. should reach you to the tiny state in an overnight journey.
What changed
- 2 New Team Dressing Rooms
- 2 New Referees Dressing Rooms
- New Press Conference Room
- Extended Tribune on West Side
- New Safe Evacuation Gates for Spectators
- Renovation of all spectator areas
- 2 new floodlight towers
- Development of 1 new training site (Uttorda) and installation of floodlights at another (Benaulim)
After football, happy hours...
Beaches: If there’s one thing that one can’t afford to miss in Goa, it’s probably the beaches. The most notable ones are: Calangute, Baga and Anjuna.
Night life: Although you might find yourself in the beaches for this as well, but that wouldn’t spoil the fun. From the pubs to DJ nights, there are many places to chill. Don’t forget to head out to Tito’s.
Cruise: The exotic waters coupled by the breath-taking sunset view makes Goa one of the hottest cruising destinations. Do try it out!
Water sports: Since most beaches in Goa are commercialised, heading out to one and trying your hand on jet skiing, water skiing, water skiing, scuba diving, paragliding etc. should be fun.
Religious and architectural significance: While almost all the churches in Goa would make you fall in love with them, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception that lies on a hill top should make you want to check out the rest. Also, Fort Aguada, built in 1612 on the shore of River Mandovi is a must visit for all those who love monuments and structures.
