Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata: The wait is almost over. In just a few hours, the Brazil football team will take the field at Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The arrival of the five-time FIFA World Cup champions has created enormous excitement among football fans across the country, with supporters eagerly waiting to witness the Brazilian stars in action on Kolkata soil.

For the city, however, match day is not only about football and celebration. With a massive crowd expected to converge on the stadium, the authorities have put several restrictions and safety measures in place for spectators. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), along with the Kolkata Police and traffic authorities, has issued a series of guidelines for those planning to attend the much-anticipated India vs Brazil fixture.

Spectators have been advised to take these instructions seriously, as certain items will not be permitted inside the stadium. Firecrackers, crackers, lighters and laser lights are strictly prohibited. Fans will also not be allowed to carry food items into the stadium. Carrying any form of intoxicating or prohibited substance inside the venue is also strictly banned.

One of the important instructions concerns water bottles. Spectators will not be permitted to enter the stadium carrying their own water bottles. Authorities have indicated that drinking water arrangements will be available inside the stadium following the recent improvements and arrangements at the venue.

Fans have also been asked not to carry sharp objects, banners or posters into the stadium. Spectators are advised to carry their mobile phones with sufficient battery charge, as using a charged phone may be important during the long hours of travel, entry and exit around the venue.

The Kolkata Police has separately issued traffic and crowd-management instructions for match day. No vehicle will be permitted to park near the main entry gates of the stadium. Spectators travelling by car have been asked to follow traffic signs and instructions issued by police personnel deployed around the stadium and surrounding roads.

Considering the large crowd expected at the venue, spectators have been advised to reach the stadium at least two hours before the scheduled kick-off. Early arrival is expected to help reduce congestion at the entry points and allow security checks to be completed without unnecessary delays. Fans must also enter through the designated gate mentioned on their tickets or entry instructions.

Traffic restrictions may also be introduced at several locations around Salt Lake depending on the volume of vehicles and pedestrians. As a result, spectators have been encouraged to make use of public transport wherever possible. Trains, the Metro and other forms of public transportation are expected to play an important role in handling the huge movement of fans towards the stadium.

People travelling by private vehicle have also been warned against parking in unauthorised areas. Vehicles found parked in prohibited zones may face action under traffic regulations. Fans are therefore advised to check the designated parking arrangements and follow instructions from traffic police rather than stopping vehicles near crowded entry and exit points.

Kolkata is expected to witness an exceptional rush towards Salt Lake as football fans from different parts of the city and beyond make their way to the stadium. With the Durga Puja season approaching, the Kolkata Police will also have to manage the wider festive-season security and traffic arrangements alongside the match-day deployment.

Security around the stadium is expected to remain particularly tight, with a large police contingent being deployed to manage the crowd, traffic movement and security checks. The authorities are seeking to ensure that spectators can enjoy the historic football occasion while maintaining public safety and orderly movement around the venue.

For fans heading to the stadium, the message is simple: reach early, carry only permitted items, follow the designated entry arrangements and listen to police and stadium officials. With thousands of supporters expected to gather under one roof to watch Brazil play in Kolkata, responsible behaviour from spectators will be crucial to keeping the match-day experience smooth and safe.

As football fever grips the city, Kolkata is preparing for a memorable evening. The spotlight will be on the pitch when Brazil take on India, but outside the stadium, careful crowd and traffic management will be equally important in making the much-awaited football spectacle a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.