Members of the Goa Football Association and its associated clubs, and football fans based in North Goa, have been thrilled by the news that the long standing requirement for a spectator-friendly football stadium to hold matches in North Goa under lights is finally being met.
"Watching a football match at the Duler Stadium, is an altogether different experience as compared to watching it in a bigger stadium, as the fans are sitting very close to the action and you can listen to the on-field conversations as a spectator. This electrifying atmosphere will be magnified when the matches are played under floodlights and the presence of another floodlit football venue augurs well for the health of football in the state", noted Mr. Lavinio Rebello, Vice President, Goa Football Association.
"We are looking to create exciting new spectator-friendly formats which will bring the crowds to the stadium once more", stated Mr. Rebello. It is believed that matches played under floodlights would mean full stadiums, would mean a blessing especially for the popularity starved, I-League. Apart from I-League footballers playing in front of full galleries than slugging it out at the near-empty Fatorda stadium, the spectators too will be much closer to the action seating at Duler, or even at Tilak Stadium, under lights. Limited seating capacity could spark spectators’ interest in watching the matches at the stadium, rather than being arm-chair supporters of Indian football.
"The GFA started to develop and to improve this ground since 1997, in a phased manner with the unstinted support of the Government of Goa. The installation of floodlights at Duler is clearly a shot in the arm for football in North Goa. The football fans in Bardez, and especially the Bardez clubs, will be able to play under lights, and watch matches under lights and we must thank the Government authorities for this initiative", stated Mr. Dominic Pereira, Executive Member of the GFA from the Bardez Zone.
The programme of upgradation of this ground with the help of the Government of Goa, and football bodies like the FIFA and AIFF, has taken place at a steady pace and over the years, important steps like replacement of grass with artificial turf, augmentation of seating capacity of the stadium, the building of stands, as well as improvement of the amenities and facilities for players and spectators, is being carried out.
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