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Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), on behalf of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) to develop a world-class cricket stadium and commercial complex in Coimbatore. The move marks a major step towards boosting sports infrastructure in western Tamil Nadu. Stadium to meet international standards According to the official document, the proposed project will be developed over 30.18 acres, divided into two parcels — 20.18 acres for the stadium and 10 acres for a commercial complex. The site, located along National Highway 81, offers excellent connectivity to Coimbatore city and neighbouring districts. The stadium will be designed to meet international cricketing standards, with a seating capacity of 25,000 to 30,000 spectators. Plans include state-of-the-art facilities such as practice nets, dressing rooms, corporate boxes, VIP and media enclosures, retail outlets, food courts, player and match-official amenities, and extensive parking zones. The adjoining 10-acre commercial space will house mixed-use developments — including retail, hospitality, and entertainment units — to ensure the project’s financial viability and long-term sustainability. Public-private partnership model TIDCO has proposed to implement the project under the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-and-Transfer (DBFOT) model through a public-private partnership (PPP). The selected concessionaire will be responsible for designing, financing, constructing, and operating the stadium for a 60-year concession period, after which it will be transferred back to the government. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be created by the chosen developer, in which SDAT will hold a golden share and appoint two nominees to the SPV’s board. This structure aims to ensure government oversight and maintain the stadium’s alignment with public sporting objectives. EOI process and deadlines TIDCO officially released the EOI notification on October 31, 2025. Interested firms or consortia — limited to a maximum of two members — have been invited to submit their proposals. Key dates include: Last date for submitting queries: November 11, 2025 Pre-application meeting: November 13, 2025 Final submission deadline: November 24, 2025 Eligibility criteria for applicants The eligibility requirements specify that applicants must have prior experience in large-scale infrastructure projects valued at a minimum of ₹300 crore or with a built-up area of at least 3 lakh sq ft. Additionally, they must demonstrate an average annual turnover of ₹300 crore over the past five financial years. These conditions are intended to ensure participation from firms with proven technical and financial capacity to deliver a project of this scale. Boost to Tamil Nadu’s sports infrastructure Once completed, the Coimbatore stadium will become Tamil Nadu’s second international-standard cricket venue after Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Officials believe it will help decentralise major sporting events, attract national and international tournaments, and serve as a hub for cricket in the western region. The project also aligns with the state’s broader efforts to modernise sports infrastructure, encourage private sector participation, and create employment opportunities in construction, operations, and tourism. With Coimbatore emerging as a fast-growing urban and industrial centre, the proposed facility is expected to become a landmark destination for sports, business, and entertainment, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s position on the national sports map.
