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RCB, KSCA Unveil Memorial for Stampede Victims Ahead of IPL Opener

The Karnataka State Cricket Association and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will honor the victims of the 2025 stampede with a memorial plaque and 11 permanently reserved empty seats at Chinnaswamy Stadium. This tribute comes as RCB prepares to play its first home game at the venue since the tragedy that killed 11 fans. The franchise had previously provided compensation to the families of the deceased. RCB's return to the stadium for five matches this season follows government approval, with two other home games to be held in Raipur.

Key Points: RCB & KSCA Honor Stampede Victims with Memorial Plaque & Seats

  • Memorial plaque near stadium entrance
  • 11 seats permanently reserved
  • Tribute to 2025 stampede victims
  • RCB returns to Chinnaswamy
2 min read

KSCA, RCB to reserve 11 seats for stampede victims, unveil memorial plaque

RCB and KSCA to unveil a memorial plaque and reserve 11 empty seats at Chinnaswamy Stadium in honor of the 2025 stampede victims.

"We'll be unveiling a memorial plaque near the entrance and reserving 11 seats in the stadium in memory of the victims - sources to IANS"

Bengaluru, March 24

As defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to start their IPL 2026 campaign at home in the opening match, the Karnataka State Cricket Association has teamed up with the franchise to honour the lives of those who died in the stampede following their title victory last season.

Before Saturday's game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, officials will place a memorial plaque near the stadium's inner entrance to provide a dedicated space for reflection. Additionally, 11 seats within the stadium will be permanently reserved in memory of the victims and will remain empty during all events held at the venue, including international matches.

This designated space will likely be located in a prominent stand and will serve as a quiet zone for remembrance.

"We'll be unveiling a memorial plaque near the entrance and reserving 11 seats in the stadium in memory of the victims of the stampede. I can't reveal much details right now. I suppose we will share further details about it in the press conference later in the day," sources told IANS

On June 4, 2025, a tragic stampede took place outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru amid RCB's victory celebrations. The disaster resulted in 11 fans losing their lives and over 50 sustaining injuries, caused by severe overcrowding with approximately 300,000 people present.

The Karnataka government held RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and event partners responsible for not obtaining the required approvals and for creating a disturbance. The franchise subsequently announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased individual.

Chinnaswamy Stadium has not hosted any RCB games since the tragic stampede. Now, with government approval, RCB will play five matches at Chinnaswamy, while two home games will be held in Raipur, as previously announced by the franchise.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A memorial is good, but let's not forget the real issue was mismanagement. The authorities should have never allowed such a huge, unplanned gathering without proper safety measures. The compensation is there, but accountability for preventing such tragedies in the future is more crucial.
A
Aman W
As a Bengalurean and an RCB fan, that night was heartbreaking. Seeing those empty seats at every match will be emotional. I hope the families of the victims find some small comfort in this tribute. #RCBForever
S
Sarah B
While the gesture is meaningful, I respectfully wonder if the resources for a permanent memorial could have been better used to directly support the injured fans who are still recovering, both physically and mentally. Long-term medical or counselling aid might be more impactful.
V
Vikram M
Good move. It shows they haven't just moved on. The plaque and the seats will keep the memory alive and hopefully serve as a constant lesson for event organizers across the country about crowd control. Safety first, always.
K
Karthik V
The return to Chinnaswamy will be bittersweet. The victory last season came at too high a cost. I hope the team plays with those 11 fans in their hearts. Let's make sure the stadium is a place of joy and safe celebration again.

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