RCB Honors Fans with Empty Seats and Special Jerseys After Tragic Stampede

In a touching tribute, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will keep 11 seats empty at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to honor fans lost in a tragic stampede. CEO Rajesh Menon announced that players will wear jersey number 11 during practices and black armbands in matches. This season, RCB is implementing enhanced safety measures and has committed to supporting the victims' families. The tragic incident occurred during celebrations, resulting in 11 fatalities and over 50 injuries. With government approval, RCB is set to resume matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium, marking a significant return for the franchise.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 14:04 IST

A Heartfelt Tribute at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Bengaluru: In a poignant gesture, Rajesh Menon, CEO of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), announced that 11 seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain vacant during all domestic and international matches. This decision is made to honor the memory of the fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede following RCB's title win last season.

Menon revealed that players will don jersey number 11 during practice sessions throughout the season and will wear black armbands during all matches to commemorate the victims.

He stated, “In remembrance of the 11 fans we lost on June 4, players will wear jersey number 11 during practice and on game days. This is a tribute to those who will always be in our hearts.”

Additionally, he mentioned the permanent empty seats at Chinnaswamy Stadium, emphasizing that this is a lasting tribute to the fans.

Menon also highlighted that the franchise is implementing various safety measures this season and is in discussions about further support for the victims' families.

The tragic incident occurred during RCB's victory celebrations, resulting in the loss of 11 lives and injuries to over 50 individuals due to severe overcrowding, with around 300,000 attendees present on June 4, 2025.

The Karnataka government held RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and event partners accountable for failing to secure necessary approvals, leading to the chaos. In response, RCB announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each family affected by the tragedy.

Since the incident, Chinnaswamy Stadium has not hosted any RCB matches. However, with government approval, RCB is set to play five matches at Chinnaswamy, while two home games will take place in Raipur, as previously communicated by the franchise.