Kolkata Stadium Gets World-Class Makeover

India's football fans anticipated a major event as Brazil's national team confirmed a friendly match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. The announcement prompted immediate attention to the Salt Lake Stadium's pitch condition, which concerned the visiting Brazilian Football Confederation.

Brazilian turf expert Ivan Nascimento arrived to oversee critical repairs. For a month, he worked with local teams to address issues like uneven soil and overgrown grass. Nascimento’s efforts focused on agronomic work and levelling the surface to meet international standards.

The pitch had not seen such comprehensive work in nearly a decade, since its conversion from artificial turf to natural grass for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Regular matches had since impacted its condition, necessitating this extensive restoration.

Nascimento’s team focused on aeration, levelling, and precise line painting. They also managed mowing, fertilization, and pest control. The goal was a healthy field for players and a good spectacle for viewers, with both Brazil and Uruguay scheduled to play on it.

The project aimed for completion by the time of the matches. While not at 100%, Nascimento estimated the pitch reached 90% readiness, with acceptable levelling, good colour, and sufficient grass density for a successful event.