Cricket buffs in Jamshedpur who were smarting over missing out on IPL live action, can smile this weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, two IPL matches will be beamed live on a giant LED screen at G Town grounds in Bistupur, thanks to the league's flagship promotional initiative Vivo IPL Fan Park.
Fans will watch the match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils live from Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Saturday, and Kolkata Knight Riders versus Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens, Calcutta, on Sunday.
Not the real stadium feel, but close enough, promised Javed Iqbal, Jharkhand sales head of Vivo.
"It will be an atmosphere akin to a real match venue at G Town grounds. We want all cricket lovers to sit and enjoy. No one likes watching a match alone. Here, you will get to cheer for your favourite team with your friends, grab quick bites and take part in exciting games," he said.
Work to set up the fan park is on at G Town grounds.
There will be multiple stalls selling merchandise, food and beverages, as well as stalls set up by IPL sponsors.
Gaming zones where fans can win goodies like caps, bottles, wrist bands and badges promise to be crowd-pullers. There would be special zones for women and children.
"A team from Delhi will monitor the event. To ensure proper security, we have 40 volunteers who will keep an eye on the crowd," said Iqbal.
IPL fans of the city are excited. "I can't wait for Saturday. Delhi Daredevils is my favourite team as Rahul Dravid is the mentor. Among the players I love Zaheer Khan and Chris Morris," said Khurram Belal Aslam, a PR professional.
An ardent Sachin fan, social worker Tarun Kumar can't wait to see the match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils with his gang.
"Sachin is the team's mentor and Rohit Sharma my favourite player," said Tarun.
Launched in 2015 in 16 cities, this year fan parks are set up across 36 cities in 21 states to bring cricket lovers across India closer to their favourite sport.
Will you attend the live screening of the IPL matches? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com
