Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced a special initiative for fans ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season, offering free metro travel on match days for those attending games at their home ground.

RCB will begin their campaign on March 28, following their historic title win last season after a 17-year hiatus. Ahead of the new season, the franchise has introduced the travel facility for supporters heading to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

According to a team official, fans with valid match tickets will be eligible for free metro rides on match days.

How the facility will work

Supporters purchasing match tickets will also receive a metro ticket with a QR code. This QR code can be scanned at the metro station entry and exit points to access the service.

The facility will be valid for one round-trip on the same day as the match. This means fans can use it for both onward and return journeys, but only once. The QR code will be non-transferable and can only be used by the ticket holder.

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The metro stations closest to the stadium are Cubbon Park and MG Road, which are expected to handle most of the match-day traffic.

Initiative ahead of IPL season

The move is aimed at easing travel for fans and improving match-day experience, especially in a city known for heavy traffic congestion.

RCB's initiative comes as the team prepares to defend its title, with expectations high around players including Virat Kohli and the rest of the squad.

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A similar initiative was earlier introduced by the Chennai Super Kings in 2023 in partnership with Chennai Metro Rail Limited.

With this step, RCB has drawn attention even before the tournament begins, as it looks to strengthen its connect with supporters while gearing up for the new season.