The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), the governing body for football in the region, has also finalised ticket prices, ranging from Tk 1,000 for general gallery seating to Tk 10,000 for a corporate box. The arrangements were confirmed during a joint co-ordination meeting between SAFF and the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on preparations at the venue, security arrangements, ticketing and the management of spectator access. With the opening date approaching, organisers are working to ensure that the stadium and training facilities are ready for the participating teams and supporters.
Ticket prices range from Tk 1,000 to Tk 10,000
Tickets are expected to go on sale on Thursday, with online purchases available to spectators. Prices have been set according to seating categories.
General gallery tickets will cost Tk 1,000, while club house tickets have been priced at Tk 4,000. VIP tickets will cost Tk 7,000, and Red Box tickets are priced at Tk 8,000. The Red Box allocation has already sold out. Corporate box tickets, the most expensive category, will cost Tk 10,000.
The prices have prompted some dissatisfaction among supporters, particularly over the cost of attending matches at the stadium. Although the single-ticket arrangement will allow fans to watch both fixtures scheduled for a day without buying separate tickets, the expense may remain a concern for those hoping to attend the tournament.
BFF Competition Committee Chairman Golam Gaus said the authority to determine ticket prices rests entirely with SAFF. His remarks clarified that the pricing decision falls under the regional governing body’s jurisdiction.
Organisers focus on safety and stadium access
Speaking to the media after Tuesday’s meeting, SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel said ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for spectators had been a central objective of the discussions.
He said officials had reviewed the condition of the playing surface and discussed arrangements for the stadium’s inner, outer and VIP gates. The talks also covered how invited guests would enter the venue and how ordinary spectators could gain access without unnecessary difficulties.
Kattel said the BFF and SAFF had discussed the pitch, matches, ticketing and security measures, with particular attention to ensuring that the arrangements could be implemented effectively through joint co-operation.
Managing the flow of spectators will be an important part of the preparations, particularly as two matches are scheduled each day during the group stage. Clear entry procedures and effective security arrangements will be necessary to help prevent congestion and allow fans to reach their seats safely.
Several grounds prepared for team training
Preparations are also under way to provide training facilities for the participating teams. Police Ground, the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) ground and Kings Arena are among the venues being kept ready for training sessions.
Access to suitable training facilities is an important element of tournament planning, allowing teams to prepare for their fixtures while organisers concentrate on the main stadium and matchday operations.
The joint preparations by SAFF and the BFF cover several areas, from pitch conditions and training arrangements to ticket sales and spectator security. Co-ordination between the two organisations will be essential to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly.
The decision to allow two matches on one ticket offers supporters an opportunity to watch more football without paying for separate admission to each fixture. However, the debate over ticket prices remains a concern for organisers as they prepare to welcome fans to the National Stadium.
With the championship due to begin on 5 November, the immediate priority is to complete the necessary preparations and provide spectators with a safe, orderly and enjoyable matchday experience.
