Bhubaneswar, Jan. 17: Preparations for the opening of the fourth Hockey India League, scheduled for tomorrow, are on in full swing at Kalinga Sports Complex here.

In the opening match, the Kalinga Lancers will host the Uttar Pradesh Wizards.

Organisers of the event said that actors Archita Sahu and Sabyasachi would perform during the opening ceremony.

"The performance at 5pm would be followed by fireworks. The match starts at 7.30pm. We have requested spectators to take their seats before the opening ceremony," said an organiser.

Both teams are confident of starting the season on a high.

"The season's first match is always important for a team. We have a strong squad under new captain Moritz Furste, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Germany. We will try our best to start the season with a win," said Lancers forward Stanli Victor Minz.

He also called on the home fans to voice their support for the team.

India international fullback V.R. Raghunath, who will lead the Wizards, said the new rules would make the games thrilling for both the players and spectators.

"With field goals becoming equivalent to two goals, players would be encouraged to score more goals from open play. The rules would also put less pressure on penalty corner specialists. We are looking forward to a thrilling encounter tomorrow," said Raghunath, a drag-flick specialist himself.

Tickets for the inaugural match would be sold both online and from a counter at the stadium tomorrow. Tickets for the west and east stands are priced at Rs 150 and Rs 100 respectively for the opening match while they would cost Rs 100 and Rs 50 for the Lancers' other four home matches. Fans can book tickets online through www.bookmyshow.com.

Police have also made elaborate security arrangements for the inaugural ceremony.

The Lancers will face Dabang Mumbai on January 21, Delhi Waveriders on February 5, Punjab Warriors on February 7 and Ranchi Rays on February 8 in their other home matches.

The spectators are also eagerly awaiting the tournament to begin.

"The Lancers have failed to live up to the expectations of the home crowd in the last two seasons. But this time, with four Odia players in the squad, we are hopeful that the team would perform well," said hockey enthusiast Arun Mohanty.