Chennaiyin FC's Home Pitch a 'Barren' Disaster Zone

Chennaiyin FC's home stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, also known as Marina Arena, presents a bleak picture as the club prepares for its first home match on March 22. The playing surface is currently dry, featuring patches of dead grass and significant holes, a condition attributed to extensive digging for recent non-football events.

Repairs to the pitch have been significantly delayed. Following a concert on February 14 and a corporate event the week prior, work on relaying the pitch only commenced in the fourth week of February. The team is awaiting a shipment of Bermuda grass, and groundsmen are facing a tight deadline to ensure a playable surface.

Adding to the challenges, low water levels in Chennai have necessitated the use of water tankers to irrigate the pitch. A source close to the club stated that while the pitch may not reach its previous high standard, efforts are being made to ensure it is safe for players and presentable for the upcoming Indian Super League games.

Furthermore, the stadium's athletics synthetic track, renovated at a cost of Rs 25 crore for the 2024 Khelo India Youth Games, is now reportedly covered in bumps and dirt from recent events, though the stadium officer believes it remains usable for daily practice.

As of February 26, 2026, Chennaiyin FC has played all its matches away from home and is yet to earn a point. The stadium operations are managed by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, with the stadium officer expressing confidence that the grass will grow sufficiently in 10 to 15 days due to the river sand bed.