Relief for sports fans: Chamundi Vihar Stadium set for new covered seating before Dasara

Mysuru: The Chamundi Vihar Stadium, established in 1969, is set to get a new spectators' seating gallery with the installation of a modern tensile membrane structure (high-strength flexible fabric roofing system).The project, estimated to cost Rs 8 crore, is already under way and is expected to be completed well before the Dasara festivities.With a seating capacity of nearly 25,000, the stadium has hosted sporting and cultural events for over five decades. However, the absence of adequately covered seating has remained a long-standing concern, particularly during extreme weather conditions.To address the issue, authorities have begun installing a tensile membrane roofing system for the spectators' gallery. The system is similar to the one implemented at the DYES swimming pool in the city.Designed to shield spectators from heat and rain, the structure is expected to improve comfort throughout the year. The material provides shade and helps maintain a cooler environment beneath it, officials said.The tensile membrane system is also designed to minimise noise during rainfall. Unlike conventional roofing, it reduces the sound of raindrops, allowing events to continue with minimal disturbance.Bhaskar Nayak, Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, said the project began two months ago and is progressing as scheduled.Officials said the new gallery is expected to improve spectator facilities while retaining the stadium's role as a major venue in the region.