- SHILLONG: In response to public concerns about sale of tickets and crowd management for the Durand Cup semi-final match between Shillong Lajong FC and North East United FC, the following statement is issued by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Goverment of Meghalaya.
The J.N. Stadium, a multipurpose stadium, has a capacity of approximately 15,000 seats.
In order to manage aspects of safety, protocols of national level football conduct, and commitments to sponsors that make such games possible (branding, signages that impede view of the match), the first 4 rows of North/South stands and first 2 rows of the East Stand have been kept unsold. The seats have been installed keeping in mind their viability for Athletics events, during which the seats will have the best view.
All efforts have been made to ensure that as many football fans get access to the tickets, given the huge demand compared to actual availability.
Of the total capacity, minimal tickets as approved by the Durand Cup Organising Committee and the Government have been provided as complimentary tickets to fulfil the sponsor requirements and organising committee requirements, of which the two participating teams Shillong Lajong FC and NEUFC received 100 tickets each as per protocol.
The overwhelming response to the ticket sales is appreciated by the Govemment, and all tickets are now sold out Fans may also note that resale of tickets are not permitted, and it requested that all such activity be reported to the Meghalaya Police. All official tickets have holograms on it to ensure only authentic ticket holders are permitted to enter the stadium.
Online purchasers must have redeemed their tickets from the box office at the U Soso Tham Auditorium on 25th of August by 6PM.
It is also advised that no individuals without tickets shall be permitted in the vicinity of the stadium on Monday, the 26th of August after 12pm.
To address the limited number of seats at J.N. Stadium and to maximise the viewing experience, Fan parks are being set up across Shillong and the various districts. Football fans are requested to visit the fan parks to support their team should they not have bought a ticket.
The following locations shall host fan parks:
1) Malki Sports Ground, Malki
2) Madan Saw, Golf Links
3) Madan-Heh Ground, Mawlai
4) Police Point Parking Lot, Laitumkhrah
5) Umpling, Mawarliang
6) Madan Daimasi, Ladthalaboh, Jowai
7) Pahamsyiem Ground, Nongpoh
8) Patharkhmah Hr. Sec. School, Patharkhmah
9) Nongstoin Playground, Nongstoin.
Additionally, the match shall be screened on the DIPR Large Screens at Police Bazaar and PHC, Rynjah.
The Government of Meghalaya views the safety of spectators and conduct of the match as the utmost priority and requests the citizens of Shillong to comply with the outlined advisory,
Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
