Bengaluru

Players of Royal Challengers Bengaluru will honour the memory of fans who lost their lives in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium following the team’s maiden IPL title win last season.

As part of the tribute, players will sport jersey number 11 during warm-up sessions ahead of their first home match in IPL 2026 and wear black armbands during the game. Additionally, 11 seats at the stadium will be left vacant in remembrance of the 11 victims, franchise CEO Rajesh Menon announced on Tuesday.

“This is a tribute to our fans, who will always remain a part of our journey,” Menon said during a pre-season press conference.

He also highlighted the extensive efforts made to ensure a safer matchday environment at the stadium, where the defending champions are scheduled to play five home fixtures this season.

Thanking the authorities for their support, Menon noted that preparations have been underway since early June and have been carried out with urgency, adhering strictly to court-mandated standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Under a revised operational framework involving the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Karnataka State Cricket Association, and the franchise, the state association will act as the lead organiser. Both KSCA and RCB will be responsible for implementing safety protocols, including emergency planning, while also ensuring compliance with stadium agreements.

To strengthen crowd management, the franchise has introduced enhanced measures within and around the venue. These include AI-enabled CCTV surveillance systems—powered by a tool named “Jarvis”—that provide real-time alerts and monitor crowd density across different sections. The feeds will also be accessible to the city police for live supervision.

Menon said the franchise has invested around ₹7 crore in upgrading crowd management infrastructure, including additional baggage scanners and command centres.

Entry and exit systems, along with fan movement protocols, have also been redesigned in consultation with local authorities. On match days, ticket holders will have access to metro services, parking can be pre-booked, and stadium gates will open four hours before the start of play.

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Menon further confirmed that the franchise will skip its annual ‘Unbox’ event this year, choosing instead to focus entirely on delivering a smooth and secure matchday experience.