Shillong, 25th July 2024: In response to public concerns about the sale of tickets and crowd management for the Durand Cup semi-final match between Shillong Lajong FC and North East
United FC, the following statement is issued by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs,
Government of Meghalaya.
The J.N. Stadium, a multipurpose stadium, has a capacity of approximately 15,000 seats. To manage aspects of safety, protocols of national-level football conduct, and commitments to
sponsors that make such games possible (branding, signages that impede view of the match), the first 4 rows of North/South stands and first 2 rows of the East Stand have been kept unsold.
The seats have been installed with the viability of the seats for athletics events in mind, during which the seats will have the best view.
All efforts have been made to ensure that as many football fans get access to the tickets, given the huge demand compared to actual availability. Of the total capacity, minimal tickets as
approved by the Durand Cup Organising Committee and the Government have been provided as complimentary tickets to fulfill the sponsor and organizing committee requirements, of which the two participating teams, Shillong Lajong FC and NEUFC, received 100 tickets each per protocol.
The overwhelming response to the ticket sales is appreciated by the Government, and all tickets are now sold out. Fans may also note that ticket resale is not permitted, and it is requested that all such activity be reported to the Meghalaya Police. All official tickets have holograms on them to ensure only authentic ticket holders are permitted to enter the stadium. Online purchasers must have redeemed their tickets from the box office at the U Soso Tham Auditorium on the 25th of August by 6 PM.
It is also advised that no individuals without tickets shall be permitted in the vicinity of the stadium on Monday, the 26th of August after noon. To address the limited number of seats at J.N.
Stadium and to maximize the viewing experience, Fan parks are being set up across Shillong and the various districts. Football fans are requested to visit the fan parks to support their team should they not have bought a ticket.
The following locations shall host fan parks:
1) Malki Sports Ground, Malki
2) Madan Saw, Golf Links
3) Madan-Heh Ground, Mawlai
4) Police Point Parking Lot, Laitumkhrah
5) Umpling, Mawarliang
6) Madan Daimasi, Ladthalaboh, Jowai
7) Pahamsyiem Ground, Nongpoh
8) Patharkhmah Hr. Sec. School, Patharkhmah
9) Nongstoin Playground, Nongstoin
Additionally, the match shall be screened on the DIPR Large Screens at Police Bazaar and PHC, Rynjah.
The Government of Meghalaya views the safety of spectators and conduct of the match as the utmost priority and requests the citizens of Shillong to comply with the outlined advisory. Department of Sports and Youth Affairs Government of Meghalaya informed.