Andhra’s Sports Push Accelerates With ₹35 Crore Investment in Tirupati Stadium & Future Sports City
The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh has accelerated its infrastructure drive with the inauguration of the Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Cricket Stadium by Nara Lokesh, alongside ongoing upgrades at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium.
The Sports Association of Andhra has made headlines once again for its new cricket stadium. SAAP has multitasked with 2 sports endeavors simultaneously, one of which was given to Markolines Pavement Technologies Limited for the revamping of their Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium and an indoor sports hall. The other has been completed and inaugurated today.
The opening ceremony for Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Cricket Stadium, Gollavanigunta, was performed by IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh. This project implemented by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh constitutes a cricket stadium, mandal-level Kreeda Vikasa Kendrams, and an indoor training center.
Minister @naralokesh inaugurated sports infrastructure projects worth ₹35 crore in Tirupati, including the NTR Sports Complex and multiple academies, to develop the city into a sports hub.@NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/1zd8fUIfTQ
— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) April 15, 2026
Roadmap and fund bifurcation of the project
The Gollavanigunta-based cricket stadium has been built across 9.57 acres and shall include a pavilion with floodlights and courts for multiple sports like volleyball, kabaddi, kho kho, and ball badminton, along with five practice pitches.
The pavilion, along with some other basic works, has been carried out under the Smart Cities Mission, costing 1.50 crores. SAAP made a contribution of 8.40 crores to complete the facility. Another fund disbursement was made by the Tirupati urban development authority, which contributed 20 lakhs for neighboring park maintenance, summing the entire cost to 10.10 crores. 5.9 crores have been spent on the sports equipment. The complex has a spectator capacity ranging between 3,000 and 5,000 sportspersons and students.
What's next for Tirupati?
SAAP chairman Animini Ravi Naidu said a 28-acre Sports City has received state government approval in Tirupati. “The new infrastructure will change the sporting landscape of the region. Athletes will no longer need to travel outside for training. Tirupati can emerge as a center for nurturing talent and hosting competitions,” he added.
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