11 seats at Chinnaswamy to remain vacant in memory of stampede victims
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Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru CEO Rajesh Menon announced that 11 seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will be kept permanently vacant during all domestic and international matches as a tribute to the 11 fans who lost their lives in last year’s stampede following the team’s title victory.
As part of the tribute, players will wear jersey number 11 during practice sessions throughout the season and don black armbands in all matches. Menon said the symbolic gesture is intended to honour the memory of the deceased fans, adding that the 11 seats will remain empty “forever” in their remembrance.
He also noted that several changes have been introduced this season as precautionary measures, with enhanced safety protocols in place. Discussions are ongoing regarding further support for the victims’ families.
The stampede occurred on June 4, 2025, outside the stadium in Bengaluru during RCB’s victory celebrations. The incident, triggered by the massive overcrowding of nearly 300,000 people, claimed 11 lives and left more than 50 injured.
The Government of Karnataka held RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and event partners responsible for failing to secure necessary permissions and for contributing to the chaos. The franchise later announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh for each bereaved family.
Since the tragedy, the stadium has not hosted any RCB matches. With fresh government approval, the team is set to return to Chinnaswamy this season for five matches, while two home fixtures will be played in Raipur, as previously confirmed by the franchise.
With IANS inputs