The huge stage erected at Bambolim Athletic Stadium for the Bryan Adams concert.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
PANAJI
Bryan Adams concert held at Bambolim Athletic Stadium has raised concerns among sports enthusiasts and local athletes about the impact on the venue’s condition. The concert, which took place on Tuesday evening, attracted over 11,000 spectators. While the event was a major success for music fans, it has left some worried about the long-term effects on the stadium, which is primarily used for sports like football and athletics.
The next day, authorities took steps to clean up the stadium, clearing the garbage and tidying up the area. However, concerns about the stadium’s future condition remain. Bambolim Athletic Stadium is used by the FC Goa football team for their ISL matches, and local sports lovers are worried that the heavy crowd and setup for the concert could have damaged the field. The FC Goa team is currently practicing in Guirim, and this is believed to be due to concerns over the condition of the field after the concert.
The stadium’s grass pitch, essential for sports like football, may have been affected by the concert's setup, which included large stages, sound systems, and a massive crowd. Sports fans fear that this damage could take time to repair, possibly affecting upcoming matches and athletic events. Even though the venue was cleaned after the concert, it remains uncertain how long it will take for the field to fully recover.
Despite several attempts to contact the State’s sports minister and the department of sports for clarification, no response has been received. Local sports enthusiasts are worried that the stadium’s condition may not be fully restored in time for upcoming sporting events. George D’Souza, a local sports fan from Calangute, expressed his frustration, saying that while such concerts are exciting, they should not come at the cost of damaging sports facilities. D’Souza, who attended the concert, noted that the venue was packed with around 11,000 to 12,000 people, and he is concerned that the heavy crowd could harm the sports field.
He emphasised that while events like concerts bring entertainment, sports lovers should not have to suffer if the stadium gets damaged.
Other locals have also raised concerns about using sports venues for large-scale events like concerts. Anthony Fernandes, from Candolim, was shocked to see a sports stadium being repurposed for a concert. He questioned why other larger venues, such as open grounds or beaches, could not be used for such events, rather than risking damage to sports infrastructure.
Although the stadium is being cleaned and efforts are underway to restore it, it remains unclear how long the recovery process will take.
