Dhanbad: Coal town cricket fans can watch some live Indian Premier League (IPL) action on a giant LCD screen and savour some mouth-watering snacks at the Golf Ground here this weekend.
Aiming to reach out to cities with no cricket stadiums, IPL has made elaborate arrangements to show matches by creating stadium-like atmosphere in 36 cities and towns in 19 states, including Dhanbad.
Four matches will be beamed live on a 32x18-feet giant screen from 4pm to 11pm on May 12 and 13 here.
On Saturday, two matches - Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils vs Royal Challengers Bangalore - will be aired. On Sunday, Dhoni's men (Chennai Super Kings) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at 4pm followed by Mumbai Indians versus Rajasthan Royals from 8 pm.
Organised by Dhanbad Cricket Association in association with DNA Entertainment Network, entry to the ground will be free in order to attract maximum number of people.
Association general secretary Vinay Kumar Singh said, "The fan park is being held here for the first time as part of BCCI's attempt to promote the game."
Sabyasachi Roy, the promotional and operation manager of IPL title sponsor Vivo, said the park will give cricket lovers the feel of watching the matches live in a stadium.
According to association sources, more than 10,000 spectators can be accommodated at the ground. To make the event more happening, three gaming stalls, a face painting kiosk and a recreational zone for kids will also be set up.
"Entry to the park and the gaming stalls will be free," Roy said and added that a trampoline will be set up for kids at the recreational zone.
"Two food stalls at the venue will serve pakodas, chaats and soft drinks at very nominal rates," said Roy.
Besides Dhanbad, such fan parks are also being organised at Ongole (Andhra Pradesh), Belgaum (Karnataka) and Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) this weekend.
"We have already started our preparations and our promotional vehicles are visiting different parts of the district to promote the event," said Roy.
He added a lucky draw will also be organised where the winners will be gifted mobile phones.
Income-Tax advocate Shekhar Kumar Sinha said the event will provide an opportunity to the people to spend some quality time this weekend.
Last season saw a massive turnout of 3,00,000 cricket enthusiasts who experienced the IPL live at the fan parks.
