Wankhede Stadium Mumbai – Complete Guide, History, Records, and Travel Info (2025)

Wankhede Stadium is more than just a sporting venue — it is the heartbeat of Indian cricket.
Located along the Arabian Sea near Marine Drive in Churchgate, it has witnessed some of the most unforgettable moments in cricket history — from India’s 2011 World Cup triumph to Sachin Tendulkar’s emotional farewell.

Home to the Mumbai Indians (IPL) and the Indian National Cricket Team, Wankhede stands as a proud reminder of Mumbai’s deep love for the game.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Location	Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Churchgate, Mumbai – 400020
Year Established	1975
Seating Capacity	33,108 (after renovation)
Pitch Type	Red Soil (known for bounce and pace)
Home Teams	Indian National Team, Mumbai Indians, Mumbai Ranji Team
Managed By	Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)
Architect (Renovation)	Shashi Prabhu & Associates
Nearby Attractions	Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Nariman Point, Girgaon Chowpatty

इतिहास

Wankhede Stadium was built in 1975 as Mumbai’s premier international cricket venue.
The stadium was completed in record time and immediately became a venue for major cricketing events. It hosted its first Test match between India and the West Indies the same year.

Over the decades, Wankhede evolved into one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world, symbolizing Mumbai’s passion for sports and the rise of Indian cricket.

🏆 Legendary Matches and Moments

🏅 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final

One of the most celebrated events in Indian sports history took place here on 2 April 2011, when India defeated Sri Lanka to lift the ICC World Cup.
The image of MS Dhoni hitting the winning six remains etched in the memories of cricket fans forever.

👋 Sachin Tendulkar’s Farewell Match (2013)

Mumbai’s favorite son played his final international match at Wankhede.
The packed crowd and his emotional speech made it one of the most moving sporting moments ever witnessed.

👏 Sunil Gavaskar’s Final Test (1987)

The stadium also hosted the farewell of another Indian great — Sunil Gavaskar. It was a fitting end to the career of one of India’s greatest batsmen.

💥 Unforgettable IPL Matches

As the home of Mumbai Indians, Wankhede has seen countless thrilling IPL matches, especially during playoff seasons. The electrifying crowd and sea breeze make it one of the toughest and most exciting cricket venues in the world.

🏗️ Architecture and Design

Wankhede Stadium blends functionality, comfort, and aesthetics with a view of the Arabian Sea.

🧱 Structural Highlights

Built on reclaimed land near Churchgate.
Spread over 13.5 acres with a total capacity of over 33,000 spectators.
Red soil pitch offering good bounce and swing — especially helpful for fast bowlers.

🪟 Modern Features

Cantilever Roof: Made of lightweight Teflon material that provides shade and eliminates obstructive columns, ensuring clear views from all seats.
LED Lighting: Powerful floodlights illuminate the stadium evenly, enhancing night match visibility.
Premium Facilities: 32 corporate boxes, media centers, team dressing rooms, and modern press areas.
Sea Breeze Advantage: Being close to the coast, the natural wind influences swing bowling — a signature Wankhede feature.

🪑 Seating and View

The 2011 renovation transformed Wankhede into one of India’s most spectator-friendly cricket venues.

All-round visibility: Every seat has an unobstructed view of the pitch.
Comfort seating: Ergonomic chairs with better legroom.
Premium lounges: The MCA Club and corporate boxes offer luxury viewing experiences.
Best seats: The Sachin Tendulkar Stand and Garware Pavilion provide excellent central views and shade.

🎟️ Tickets and Entry Details

Match Tickets

Price Range: ₹800 to ₹15,000 (depending on event, stand, and demand).
Where to Buy:
- BookMyShow
- Official IPL or Mumbai Indians websites during the season.

Stadium Tours

On non-match days, visitors can tour select areas, including stands, dressing rooms, and media centers (subject to MCA permissions).

Timings

Open from 12:00 am to 11:30 pm daily, except during matches or maintenance.

🚆 How to Reach Wankhede Stadium

🚉 By Train

Churchgate Station (Western Line): Just 5 minutes’ walk from the stadium.
CSMT (Central Line): Around 10 minutes by taxi or a short 15-minute walk.

🚌 By Bus

Buses to Churchgate, Marine Lines, and Nariman Point stop nearby.
Common routes: 103, 106, 108, 123.

🚗 By Car or Taxi

Parking is limited near the venue. Using taxis or ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber is recommended.

✈️ From Airport

Distance: ~25 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Route: Western Express Highway → Haji Ali → Marine Drive. (Approx. 45–60 minutes drive).

🍴 Nearby Attractions & Food Spots

🌊 Tourist Attractions

Marine Drive: Iconic 3.6 km promenade with stunning sunset views.
Nariman Point: Financial district with skyline views and cafes.
Gateway of India: 10 minutes away by car.
Girgaon Chowpatty: Famous for street food like pav bhaji, pani puri, and ice gola.

🍛 Restaurants & Cafes Nearby

Pizza by the Bay – Sea-facing Italian dining.
Shiv Sagar Veg Restaurant – Popular family spot.
Café Churchill – Classic Mumbai eatery in Colaba.
Leopold Café & Café Mondegar – Historic hangouts for tourists.
Status Restaurant – Authentic Indian thali near Nariman Point.

📸 Photography Tips

Wankhede’s proximity to the sea makes it ideal for great photography.

Best time: Late afternoon or early evening for perfect light and crowd ambiance.
Camera Rules: Professional cameras restricted during matches; mobile photography allowed.
Top Viewpoints: From Sachin Tendulkar Stand or Garware Pavilion for panoramic views.

💡 Tip: Sunset shots over Marine Drive after a match look spectacular!

🏅 Records and Statistics

Record Type	Detail
Highest Team Score (ODI)	438/4 – South Africa vs India (2015)
Lowest Team Score (Test)	62 – New Zealand (2021)
Most Runs Scored (Overall)	Sachin Tendulkar
Pitch Type	Red Soil – pace and bounce-friendly
Boundary Dimensions	~65 m square, 72 m straight
Special Feature	Sea breeze influences swing bowling

🎉 Major Events Hosted

Besides international cricket, Wankhede has also hosted:

IPL Finals and Playoffs
Ranji Trophy & Domestic Championships
Concerts and Cultural Events (including AR Rahman and Bryan Adams)
Corporate Tournaments and Charity Matches

Its central location and modern amenities make it a top choice for both sports and entertainment in Mumbai.

🌿 Sustainability & Modern Initiatives

Wankhede Stadium has adopted several eco-friendly upgrades in recent years:

Rainwater harvesting to reduce water usage.
Solar panel installations to power parts of the stadium.
LED floodlights for energy-efficient illumination.
Waste segregation & recycling during major events.

🧭 Tips for Visitors

✅ Book early: Match tickets sell out quickly, especially for India games or IPL matches.
✅ Arrive early: Gates open 90 minutes before matches; early arrival ensures easy entry.
✅ Travel light: Large bags, bottles, or umbrellas are restricted.
✅ Hydrate: Carry small sealed bottles; kiosks inside sell drinks and snacks.
✅ Weather watch: Mumbai’s coastal humidity can be high — wear light cottons and caps.

💬 Interesting Facts

The stadium’s roof design ensures shade even during day matches.
Wankhede’s pitch curator, the late Sudhir Naik, was a former India cricketer.
The 2011 World Cup trophy was handed to India here, making it the first Indian stadium to host a home-team victory in a World Cup final.
The Mumbai Cricket Association Museum within the complex displays memorabilia from Indian cricket history.

📅 Upcoming Events in 2025

IPL 2025 – Mumbai Indians Home Matches: March to May
India vs England (Proposed Test Series): December 2025
Domestic Ranji Matches: Year-round
Music & Cultural Events: November–January season

Check official schedules at the Mumbai Cricket Association website.

❤️ Why Visit Wankhede

For cricket lovers, Wankhede is more than a stadium — it’s an experience.
From the sea breeze that cools the crowd to the echoing cheers that shake Marine Drive, every match here feels like a festival.

It’s the ground where India celebrated glory, where legends said goodbye, and where the spirit of Mumbai’s cricket lives forever.

🎟 Tour Experience Overview

Several travel-sites list a “Cricket Tour – A dramatic insight into Mumbai’s cricketing history” at Wankhede, typically lasting 2 to 3 hours.
The tour often includes access to key areas such as the stands, the pitch boundary, press/ media areas, and possibly changing rooms.
Although standard visitor access may depend on match day schedules, private tour operators include Wankhede as part of broader city-cricket-culture tours.

🧭 What you’ll see on the Tour

Stand seats and vantage points: You’ll be able to view the seating arrangement and pick up panoramic views of the pitch and stands.
The pitch area: Some tours allow you to walk near or view the boundary or the outfield from a special vantage.
Behind-the-scenes: VIP lounges, press box, players’ changing rooms and media areas may be included in more premium tours.
Architectural & historical highlights: Learn about the stadium’s layout, its unique sea-breeze effect, and its prominent place in Indian cricket.

📅 Booking & Logistics

Duration: Typically 2–3 hours.
Timings: Tours may vary depending on match schedules and stadium availability; check in advance.
Ticketing: Some tours are part of larger city-tour packages; others may be standalone. Prices vary with exclusivity and access.
Access: Note that on official “open stadium tour” days access may be limited due to security, maintenance or event preparation. Some visitor comments suggest that full guided access is rare.

✅ Visitor Tips

Wear comfortable shoes: Tours involve walking and climbing stairs.
Bring a camera or phone: Some of the best photo views are from the stands and pitch-boundary.
Check ahead for match days: On match days access around the stadium may be restricted or the tour may be suspended.
Arrive early: Getting to Churchgate / Marine Drive early allows you to enjoy the precinct and nearby attractions before or after the tour.
Respect security rules: Some areas (players’ zones, VIP areas) may remain off-limits even on tours.

📌 Key Highlights Worth Noting

The stadium’s seating capacity of 33,108 (after renovation) makes tours intimate compared to massive global venues.
The stadium is located near Marine Drive, so the visit can be paired with a scenic walk or nearby food stop.
The pitch uses red soil and the sea breeze contributes to unique playing conditions — the tour gives you a chance to feel that atmosphere.