M A Chidambaram Stadium- A True Labour of Love

Long Time since I touched my blog pages, but lots of things coming my way, hectic activity coupled with the pace of life. That however does not mean that my thirst for words has ever satiated, for it continues to be my passion.

That time of the year when Chennai sizzles for two reasons, one is of course the relentless heat and the other is of course the IPL. IPL is back with a bang post Covid. For me personally my relationship with Chepauk was renewed once again as a friend invited me to watch the match between CSK & Rajasthan Royals. So here I was sporting my pink loyalties and my Friends all them crowning themselves in CSK Yellow. Quite contrasting and intimidating. 

A Few Things stood out. First was my entry into the Anbu Den. All those glittering trophies that Tamil Nadu/CSK won over the years greeted me a warm welcome, The glitz and brightness of yellow splashed across the walls, with legends who have taken the state as well as the Franchisee to pinnacles of glory being accorded potraits on the walls, with details of their achievements.

Once All Roads lead to MAC at this time of the year, an air of expectation rises as a sea of yellow heads towards one direction. So much of memories clamped in my mind as I take the lift to head towards the viewers gallery. The Tied test between India and Australia, The India Vs Pakistan Encounter where the knowledgeable Chennai audience gave a standing ovation to the Pakistani team. There is history written all over this marvellous edifice in Chennai. However each time in the past I have always wanted a clean and unrestricted view at the stadium and those long pillars in the past have been an eyesore.

They say that History repeats itself but in this case History had made way to a stupendous man made marvel in the shape of a landmark stadium. No Pillars, Unhindered 360 degrees view, A Panoramic piece of workmanship and circulation of Air enabled by an ergonomic design. Marvel the people behind the entire renovation because what stands in front of us is nothing short of an Engineering Beauty- Our Own Anbu Den, something that every Chennaite should be proud of. If Marina is a Landmark so is MAC.

When you talk about MAC you have to talk about the Man, The Legend our city has adored for so many years now. MS Dhoni. He walks out to Toss, there is a roar, He leads his team there is a louder roar, and the Loudest roar is reserved when he walks out to bat. Deafening is not just the word, its even louder as its a combination of cacaphony,noise, roaring and whistle podu. At one point towards the end of the innings its almost as if the CSK fans wish to let go of that one wicket so that Dhoni can come and Bat. Fan Craze Maxima. Dhoni himself does not disappoint his fans on most occasions as Sixers rain from his bat and the balls rockets itself to newer peaks within the cauldron.

This is the most endearing yet emotional part of the entire blog. This stadium is built as a true labour of love, its years of painstaking work. Not easy at all to come up with a structure like this. I feel that it is the responsibility of each one of us to keep the stadium and its environs clean and beautiful. You go and watch a match, dont leave it dirty. Dont litter. Dont throw paper plates and cups in a fit of celebration or dejection. MAC is the pride of Chennai and its our responsibility to keep it clean much like our home.

Come Friday and Anbu Den will come alive once again, the floodlights will dazzle, the fans will roar as whole of Chennai will come to a standstill wanting their favourite CSK to win once more. Whistle Podu