East Bengal officials clarify Kolkata Derby venue availability, announce ticket prices

THE KANCHENJUNGA STADIUM in Silguri, slated to host the first of the Kolkata Derbies in I-League 2016-17, had its feasibility for hosting the high profile match questioned when the stadium authorities dug holes on the pitch to build a stage for the North Bengal Festival only weekes before the fixture.

East Bengal, being the home team for the match, sent some of their officials to visit the stadium and talk to the local authorities about getting the ground ready. They were assured by the district association that the holes have been filled up and grass will be planted on the spots to get the ground in tip top condition well in time for the Derby on 12th February. 

The officials also discussed ticket prices and decided that the cheapest tickets for the match will be priced at Rs 200.

The high profile Derby which sees the intense rivalry between the two Kolkata clubs, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, find furious expression, is even more important this season because both the clubs are engaged in a breakneck I-League title race.

But due to the unavailability of the Salt Lake Stadium, the traditional venue for this fixture, because of renovations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the clubs have had to look at alternative venues. East Bengal have chosen Kanchenjunga Stadium where they beat Mohun Bagan 2-1 last season in a sold out match. But the stadium, with a capacity of about 30,000, can only accomodate about a third of the turnout these fixtures see at Salt Lake.

The return leg of the Derby is set to take place at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on 9th April, which will mean an even lesser number of fans will be able to attend the fixture.

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