RCB's Rajesh Menon: 11 Seats at Chinnaswamy Stadium to Honor Fans Forever
Synopsis
In a heartfelt tribute to the 11 fans who lost their lives in a tragic stampede, RCB's CEO Rajesh Menon has announced that 11 seats at Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain empty for all matches. The players will also honor their memory by wearing jersey No. 11 and black armbands throughout the season.
Key Takeaways
11 seats permanently empty at Chinnaswamy Stadium in memory of fans.
Players to wear jersey No.
11 during practices.
Black armbands to be worn during matches.
Compensation of Rs 25 lakh for families of deceased fans.
RCB to play five matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium this season.
Bengaluru, March 24 (NationPress) The CEO of the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajesh Menon, announced that in a tribute to the lives lost in the tragic stampede following their championship victory last season, 11 seats will remain permanently vacant during all domestic and international matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Menon further mentioned that the players will don the jersey No. 11 during practice sessions throughout the season and will wear black armbands for all matches in remembrance of the fans.
“In honor of the 11 supporters we tragically lost on June 4, the players will wear jersey number 11 for both practice and game day. While it won't be used during the actual matches, all players will have jersey number 11 on their backs during practice sessions,” stated Menon during a press conference on Tuesday.
“Additionally, on that day, they'll also wear black armbands. We are committed to having 11 seats permanently unoccupied in Chinnaswamy Stadium, dedicated to the 11 fans who will forever be in our hearts. That’s a brief update on our plans for this year,” Menon informed the media.
He also indicated that numerous changes have been introduced this season as precautionary measures, emphasizing that safety protocols are being enforced and discussions regarding further support for the victims' families will continue.
The devastating stampede occurred on June 4, 2025, outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s victory celebrations, resulting in the loss of 11 lives and injuries to over 50 individuals due to severe overcrowding, with around 300,000 attendees.
The Karnataka government deemed RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and event partners responsible for failing to secure the necessary approvals, resulting in chaos. In response, the franchise pledged Rs 25 lakh in compensation for the families of each deceased fan.
Since the tragic incident, Chinnaswamy Stadium has not hosted any RCB matches. However, with government approval, RCB is set to play five matches at Chinnaswamy, while two home games will be held in Raipur, as previously confirmed by the franchise.
Point of View
The actions taken by RCB to honor the memory of the fans lost in the stampede reflect a commitment to responsibility and remembrance. The organization is taking significant steps to ensure safety and support for the victims' families, highlighting the need for accountability in sports events.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why will 11 seats remain empty at Chinnaswamy Stadium?
The 11 seats will remain empty as a tribute to the fans who tragically lost their lives in the stampede following RCB's title victory last season.
What special measures are being taken by RCB this season?
RCB players will wear jersey No. 11 during practice and black armbands during matches to honor the deceased fans. Additionally, 11 seats will be permanently unoccupied in their memory.
What happened during the June 4 stampede?
The stampede occurred during RCB's victory celebrations, resulting in the deaths of 11 fans and injuries to over 50 others due to severe overcrowding.
What compensation has RCB announced for the victims' families?
RCB has pledged Rs 25 lakh in compensation for the families of each deceased individual.
Will RCB play at Chinnaswamy Stadium this season?
Yes, with government approval, RCB is scheduled to play five matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium this season.
