Calicut University allots 35 acres for Rs 500-crore international stadium
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Malappuram: The Syndicate of the University of Calicut has approved the allotment of 35 acres of land for the construction of a FIFA-standard international stadium, proposed by the Kerala state government at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore, officials said on Sunday.
In a statement, the University Syndicate said the land will be provided under specific conditions, with ownership remaining with the university. The decision was taken at a recent Syndicate meeting, and the government will be formally informed, officials added.
According to the university, the proposed stadium site is located at Thenhipalam on the Malappuram–Kozhikode district border, adjacent to the national highway. The location is about 9 km from Calicut International Airport and close to two major railway stations, making it easily accessible.
“The stadium is planned with a seating capacity of 50,000 and will be part of a larger sports complex that includes a swimming pool, fitness centre, and accommodation facilities. The detailed design and project plan were prepared about three months ago by the Sports Kerala Foundation,” the statement said.
The university noted that the design and related work were carried out through government systems rather than private agencies. An initial amount of Rs 125 crore has already been sanctioned for the first phase of construction, with remaining funds expected to be allocated in subsequent stages.
“The absence of a FIFA-standard stadium has meant that Kerala has been missing out on recognised international matches, despite Malabar’s strong football culture,” the statement added.
Officials said the stadium is expected to boost sports development at the university and promote football in the state. There are also plans to host academies and events in collaboration with major international leagues such as the English Premier League and La Liga.
The project is expected to support the growth of Kerala’s sports economy and create a self-sustaining model through diversification of sports infrastructure, officials said.
(With PTI inputs)