Meghalaya’s Football Euphoria: Durand Cup Tickets Vanish, Exciting Fan Parks Revealed – Northeast News
SHILLONG: The Durand Cup semi-final between NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC has electrified Meghalaya, drawing football fans in droves to the capital. Anticipation for this Northeast derby is evident as tickets sold out within hours of their release for the August 26 clash at JN Stadium. Despite torrential rain, enthusiastic supporters queued for hours at initial ticket counters in Polo, Cafe Shillong, and Khyndai Lad. An additional counter at U Soso Tham Auditorium was opened to manage the rush, but many had already been waiting long before its 5 PM opening.
To accommodate the overflow of football enthusiasts, the state government has set up fan parks across Shillong and district headquarters, which will broadcast the match live. These fan parks, strategically located in Mawlai Madan Heh Stadium, RV Lyngdoh parking lot, Malki Ground, Umpling Maw-arling, Laitumkhrah Police Point Parking lot, and NEHU campus, will also feature performances by local musicians from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme and food stalls to replicate the stadium atmosphere. The 15,000-seat JN Stadium is expected to be packed to capacity.
Online ticket holders can redeem their tickets at U Soso Tham Auditorium starting at 10 AM on August 25. Responding to previous instances of ticket counterfeiting, organizers have introduced hologram-embedded tickets for added security.
Following massive demand, the organizing committee decided to relocate the semi-final to Shillong and postpone it by one day. Despite this adjustment, the overall schedule remains unchanged, ensuring other matches, including the other semi-final and the final at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, proceed as planned.
The state government will release additional announcements regarding match-day logistics and other pertinent details. This eagerly awaited match promises to be a historic event, showcasing fervent local support and highlighting Meghalaya’s burgeoning football culture.
Original Story https://nenews.in/meghalaya/meghalaya-football-frenzy-durand-cup-tickets-sold-out-fan-parks-announced/13289/
Category : Meghalaya,Sports,Durand Cup 2024,NorthEast United FC,Shillong Lajong FC
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