Calcutta: Those who were expecting a Derby-like turnout at the Salt Lake Stadium for Atletico de Kolkata’s matches during the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), that will not be possible since the stadium’s capacity has been pruned to 68,000 by the organisers.

The Salt Lake Stadium can accommodate over a lakh spectators in its original capacity. But quality, not quantity, is what the city franchise is focussing on.

Thus the decision to bring down the stadium capacity by several thousands as that would ensure better match-watching experience for the spectators.

Utsav Parekh, one of the co-owners of Atletico de Kolkata (ATK), said that the spectators would be getting far “superior” facilities at the Salt Lake Stadium than it was in the past. “We want to give the fans an international experience…

“Bucket seats have been installed and the spectators won’t be cramped for space. That is why we have decided to lower the stadium capacity.

“We have refurbished 20 washrooms at the stadium and around 110 food and beverages stalls would be ready for the spectators,” Parekh said.

Parekh also said that the players’ facilities have been upgraded and the overall development of the venue will help in it being selected as a host during the 2017 U-17 World Cup.

Twenty thousand tickets have already been sold or allocated. Of the remaining, 10,000 have been earmarked for students (with valid I-cards), IFA registered footballers and members of the city’s Big Three — East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. They can buy the tickets at a discount of 50 per cent.

Parekh informed that most of the 24 hospitality boxes have been sold out.

The organisers will also be arranging for transport after matches for the convenience of the spectators.