Bhubaneswar, Jan. 20: The stage is set for the inaugural match of third edition of Hockey India League (HIL) with the Kalinga Stadium being given a final touch for the opening match on Thursday. The first match is between home team Kalinga Lancers and Ranchi Rays.

While preparations are in the final stages for a laser show in the opening ceremony, both the teams are practising hard to start their campaign on a high note. Both the teams have won their home matches against each other during second edition of HIL last year. While Kalinga Lancers beat Ranchi 4-1 in Bhubaneswar, Ranchi had won its home match against Kalinga Lancers 3-1.

Officials of Kalinga Lancers said ticket sales for the inaugural match had been satisfactory so far. 'While the online tickets for white deck of the West Stand have already been sold out, the sale of ticket through the counter in front of the stadium has been encouraging,' said a franchise official.

Fans can buy tickets online on www.bookmyshow.com.While the tickets of East Stand are priced at Rs 100, the price of tickets for West Stand will be Rs 200 for the inaugural match. For the reaming four matches, the ticket price of East Stand will be Rs 50 where as the price of ticket of West Stand has been fixed at Rs 100.

KalingaLancerswill play its next two home matches against Uttar Pradesh Wizards and Punjab Warriors on January 31 and February 1 respectively. The last two home matches of Kalinga Lancers will be held on February 12 and 13 against Delhi Wave Riders and Dabang Mumbai. The franchise owners are planning to rope in popular Odia cine artistsSabyasachiandArchita for inaugural ceremony. 'This is an honour for the city to host the inaugural event of the tournament. This will definitely help in promotion of the city. We will try our best to put up a good show,' said Sabyasachi.

Both the teams practised at the stadium before their clash. 'The team is balanced and we are hopeful of a good campaign this year,' said Gonzalo Peillat of Kalinga Lancers.