Kolkata Readies QR Tickets, Numbered Seats for India–Brazil Football Friendly

QR-code tickets, numbered seats, digital screens and an upgraded playing surface are among the measures being introduced at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium ahead of India’s football friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay, West Bengal sports minister Indranil Khan said.

India’s men’s team is scheduled to face Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium. The venue will then host India’s women’s team against Russia on October 8 and 11.

Speaking to ANI, Khan said the preparations combined crowd management and security measures with infrastructure improvements intended to benefit football in the state beyond the upcoming fixtures.

Digital Tickets and Tighter Monitoring

Khan said QR-code-based digital ticketing would be used to curb black marketing, while numbered seats would help prevent confusion in the stands. He described the ticketing technology as similar to systems used during the FIFA World Cup.

Senior administrative and police officials, including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, were coordinating preparations, he said. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was personally monitoring the arrangements, the minister added.

“Many infrastructure upgrades are being carried out. Seats are being numbered to prevent any chaos or black marketing,” Khan said.

He added that work was underway to install two main digital screens and that the turf had been upgraded to meet what he described as international FIFA World Cup standards.

Brazil, Uruguay and Russia Fixtures

Khan described the upcoming matches as a significant occasion for football supporters, saying five-time world champions Brazil would bring their full squad. Two-time world champions Uruguay will be India’s second opponent.

“History is going to be made,” he said, pointing to the opportunity for India’s men’s team to face two of international football’s most successful sides.

The two women’s internationals against Russia will extend the stadium’s schedule beyond the men’s fixtures.

Minister Takes Aim at Previous Government

Khan also criticised the previous Mamata Banerjee-led government over its handling of Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata last year.

He alleged that the Trinamool Congress had politicised the event and engaged in corruption. The supplied report did not include a response from the party to those allegations.

“Now that a new government is here, this government has zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.

A Longer-Term Football Plan

The minister said the work at Salt Lake Stadium was part of a wider programme involving infrastructure, player development and academies.

“We are working with the vision in mind that our players will one day play in the World Cup wearing the ‘Men in Blue’ Indian jersey,” Khan said.

He added that long-term collaborations and decisions were being pursued to support that ambition, with the upcoming internationals serving as an immediate focus for the stadium improvements.

With inputs from ANI.