Kerala Blasters will play ISL opener at half-empty Kaloor stadium on a Sunday. Here's why

Kochi-based Kerala Blasters FC open their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign at home on September 15, Sunday, against Punjab FC. One of the most followed clubs in the country, Kerala Blasters often play their home fixtures at Kaloor before a full house. However, their league opener on Sunday will be played in a half-empty Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the club confirmed. 

Kerala celebrates Tiruvonam, the most auspicious day of the 10-day-long Onam celebrations on Sunday. The annual harvest and cultural festival is the official festival of the southern state and a public holiday. KBFC decided to leave the Kaloor stadium half-full in an effort to reduce the workload of its support staff and operations partners. Onam is too special to be away from their families, KBFC reminded Manjappada -- the fans of the club.

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"Their work begins well before the game, often starting the night before, and continues late into the night after the match. By reducing the stadium capacity, we aim to ease the load on these. dedicated individuals, allowing them to enjoy at least some part of this special festival with their families," an official statement by the KBFC said. 

"This decision was taken after discussions with the relevant stakeholders and reflects our commitment to supporting essential services and matchday operations partners whose hard work is vital to matchday operations," it added.

Blasters will play their second fixture, also a home match against East Bengal on September 22, Sunday. The three-time finalists will then travel to Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium to take on Durand Cup winners NEUFC.

Kerala Blasters full club statement:

Kerala Blasters Football Club announces that the capacity for the opening game on September 15th will be limited to 50%, in light of Thiruvonam celebrations across Kerala. This decision was taken after discussions with the relevant stakeholders and reflects our commitment to supporting essential services and matchday operations partners whose hard work is vital to matchday operations.

While we would have loved to welcome a full stadium, given the high demand for the season opener, we also recognize the critical role played by essential services and operations partners. Their work begins well before the game, often starting the night before, and continues late into the night after the match. By reducing the stadium capacity, we aim to ease the load on these. dedicated individuals, allowing them to enjoy at least some part of this special festival with their families.

While the timing of fixtures is determined by broader scheduling considerations, which is not in the club's control, we are committed to making decisions that best serve our community. Balancing the excitement of the opening match with the importance of Onam is a priority for us.

We appreciate the understanding and continued support of our fans, and we look forward to an exciting season ahead.