A Silent Tribute RCB and KSCA to Permanently Reserve 11 Seats for Stampede Victims

In a poignant move to honor the memory of those lost during last year’s title celebrations, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have announced a series of permanent tributes at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Starting with the IPL 2026 season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, 11 seats in a premier stand will remain permanently unoccupied for all matches, including international fixtures. This gesture serves as a silent memorial for the 11 fans who tragically lost their lives in the June 4, 2025 stampede, drawing inspiration from global sporting tributes like Liverpool’s Hillsborough memorial at Anfield.

Beyond the empty seats, a memorial plaque will be unveiled near the stadium’s inner entrance, providing a dedicated space for reflection within the venue. RCB CEO Rajesh Menon also confirmed that players will wear jersey number 11 during all practice sessions this season and don black armbands on match days. To prevent a repeat of last year’s tragedy, the stadium has undergone a ₹7 crore safety overhaul, featuring AI-powered CCTV systems for real-time crowd monitoring and redesigned entry/exit protocols. These measures ensure that as cricket returns to Bengaluru, the fans who were lost remain an eternal part of the franchise’s journey.