Northeast Desk, 26th August: As the much-anticipated Durand Cup semi-final between Shillong Lajong FC and North East United FC approaches, authorities have issued a stern warning against ticket resale, urging fans to report any such activity to the Meghalaya Police. The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs highlighted the concern in a press release on August 25, addressing issues related to ticket sales and crowd management for the event.
The match, scheduled for today, August 26, at the JN Stadium in Shillong, has seen an unprecedented demand for tickets, leading to a complete sellout of the 15,000-seat venue. To ensure the authenticity of tickets, all official passes feature holograms, and only those with genuine tickets will be granted entry into the stadium.
In response to the overwhelming interest and to manage the anticipated large crowds, officials have set up fan parks across Shillong and other districts. These designated viewing areas, including Malki Sports Ground, Madan Saw in Golf Links, and Police Point Parking Lot in Laitumkhrah, will accommodate fans unable to secure tickets.
Authorities have also advised individuals without tickets to avoid the stadium area after 12 pm on match day to facilitate crowd control. Additionally, the government has kept certain rows in the North, South, and East stands unsold to ensure safety and adhere to national football protocols.
The community is encouraged to support the teams while maintaining order and safety during this high-stakes match.