The Dhyan Chand Stadium is the first to open among Commonwealth Games venues in New Delhi, the capital of India. It is also the host venue for the 2010 Men’s Hockey World Cup.
The stadium is currently undergoing a major reconstruction project. The renovation and remodeling project has not altered the original design of the stadium. The original stands, which were earthen embankments, are demolished and a new rectangular seating bowl is being constructed in its place. The facilities at the stadium have received improvements and upgrades. The west facade is being retained since it is a heritage structure.
The stadium now features new polygrass turfs on all pitches so that the turf does not retain water. New sprinkler systems imported from Germany are also installed. A two-tier underground parking facility is also constructed at the stadium.
The new capacity will be 20,000 and there will be a second competition ground with a capacity for 2,500. A warm-up pitch has also been added to the stadium.
Being part of a heritage structure, the renovation project faced a challenge with the stadium’s mast lights which could not exceed 12 meters in height to provide unobstructed view of India Gate. The contractors solved this problem by installing hinged mast lights. These moveable mast lights can be raised to a height of 30 meters during the games starting on October 3, 2010. After the games they can be brought down to a level of 12 meters.
The stadium was originally built in 1933 as a multipurpose stadium and named the Irwin Amphitheatre. It was designed by Anthony S. DeMillo. It was renamed National Stadium before the 1951 Asian Games, Dhyan Chand’s name was added in 2002.
