Built in 1974, the Wankhede Stadium has witnessed many a historic contest involving India, Mumbai and, of course, the Mumbai Indians. MI have a superb record at the ‘fortress’. In 53 matches, the team has tasted victory on 35 occasions. Rohit Sharma is MI’s highest run-getter at the home venue. He has scored 1,406 runs in 47 outings. Lasith Malinga is the team’s most successful bowler at the Wankhede. The pacer, who is now the team’s bowling mentor, has picked up 58 wickets in 39 matches. Located within a stone’s throw from Churchgate Stadium, the Wankhede Stadium is a beautiful place to play and watch cricket. And, if you dig deeper, you will realise that every stand and pavilion at the venue has an endearing story of its own.

North Stand

Any and every discussion on the Wankhede is incomplete without a mention of the iconic North Stand. Offering a 75-degree view, long-offish (fine-legish if the bowler is running into you), so to speak and home to the ‘North Stand Gang’, its occupants have been the most knowledgeable. So much so that they can call a slower ball from up above.

Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion

To the left of North Stand is what used to be officially called ‘East Stand’. That’s how it’s known colloquially, even today. Named after one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time, it is the ‘common’ man’s enclosure. This stand gives you the best entertainment at pocket-friendly prices. And, yes, it doesn’t have a roof, so you’re bound to fight the sun. This enclosure abuts the Western Railway tracks. It is a delight to be here on an MI match day, because many a six lands here. For the record, Gavaskar would first acknowledge the cheers from the East Stand upon reaching a milestone.

Vithal Divecha Pavilion

Named after Vithal Divecha, a respected cricket administrator, it offers a ‘cow corner’ view of proceedings. It is one more stand where the crowd can expect a few opportunities to catch the ball. Divecha was president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA, then BCA). SK Wankhede, a worthy successor who masterminded the very birth of the stadium, had this to say when Divecha passed away in the 1963-64 season: “Divecha nurtured the BCA as a mother would her child.”

MCA Pavilion

It pays to find a seat at the MCA Pavilion. Thronged by youngsters who spend more time watching who’s walking up and down the dressing room stairs, this enclosure is a selfie-seeker’s delight. Who knows, Rohit Sharma could be in the mood to oblige you! That’s not all. The MCA Pavilion offers a fantastic view and is usually occupied by ‘cricket people’. Oh, and yes, it’s here that MS Dhoni deposited Nuwan Kulasekara on April 2, 2011.

Grand Stand

Right above the bowler’s arm: that’s how simply one can explain the view from the top tier of the Grandstand. Situated on top of the dressing rooms, it is where you want to be. Watch out for the straight hits over the sight screen.

Garware Pavilion

When the Wankhede Stadium was being built in 1974, the Garware Group of Industries had contributed a whopping Rs 12 lakh to the cause. And the Mumbai Cricket Association rightly honoured its benefactors. It is arguably the most high-profile pavilion at the Wankhede, replete with a grand entrance. The Wankhede also houses the Garware Club House, a recreational facility to the who’s who of the city. If you ever meet the gift fairy, ask her for a ticket to the Garware Pavilion. You’ll love the experience.

Vijay Merchant Pavilion

Situated bang opposite the Sunil Gavaskar Stand, and named after the founder of the Bombay School of Batsmanship, the Vijay Merchant Pavilion is also known as the ‘West Stand’. Some of the seats here are reserved for the members of the three original gymkhanas of Mumbai: PJ Hindu, Islam and Parsi.

Sachin Tendulkar Stand

And we have come a full circle! Named after you know who, this is the largest enclosure at the Wankhede, accounting for nearly one-third of the seats. It is unique in more ways than one because it got the name even when Sachin Tendulkar was an active cricketer. 

Tickets for our home games in the upcoming VIVO IPL season can be purchased here.