1.7 million likely to watch the Games

The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee estimates 1.7 million spectators to throng the stadiums for the 12-day mega-event from October 3 to 14. And to ensure a smooth Games viewing experience for the spectators, 195 paid staff and over 2,000 volunteers will be deployed at the venues.

Volunteers will guide the spectators past ticketing gates and security checkpoints to the seating arena. Explaining why this could be an arduous task for spectators, the Organising Committee's Spectator Services head G.G. Dwivedi cited the example of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which has 21 entry gates but only three gates -- 3, 9 and 14 -- dedicated to spectators.

“It could be a challenge for spectators to find the right stadium, event and entry gate at some sports complexes. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium alone will have 44 paid staff and 700 volunteers,” Mr. Dwivedi said.

A spectator plaza will also be set up to hold an information booth and refreshment and merchandise stalls. No food or water bottles will be allowed inside the stadium. The list of items not allowed is on the back page of the ticket.