11 Jersey, 11 Empty Seats: RCB Reveal Emotional Tribute Plan for Fans

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru will honour fans who lost their lives last year with a special tribute during their first home game of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Players will wear jersey number 11 during the warm-up session, black armbands during the match, and 11 seats inside the stadium will remain empty as a mark of remembrance, Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Menon announced during the franchise's pre-season press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

"This is a tribute to our fans, who will always remain a part of our journey," Menon said.

The tribute forms part of a broader effort by the franchise to acknowledge the fans while also introducing enhanced matchday safety protocols at the stadium.

RCB Introduce Enhanced Safety Measures at Chinnaswamy Stadium

Alongside the tribute announcement, Menon detailed extensive preparations aimed at ensuring a safe and well-managed experience for spectators at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the defending champions are scheduled to play five home fixtures this season.

"I would like to thank the government for making this possible. It has been a long journey since June 4, and everything has been executed on a war footing. We have worked to follow the SOPs provided by the court and ensure all protocols are in place."

As part of the updated framework, responsibilities between governing bodies and stakeholders have been clearly defined to improve operational efficiency and emergency preparedness.

Menon also highlighted new technology-driven crowd management measures introduced at the venue.

"We have significantly strengthened crowd management measures. We have implemented AI-led CCTV solutions across the stadium, including inside, the concourse, and surrounding areas, powered by an AI tool called Jarvis."

The franchise has reportedly invested around ₹7 crore to upgrade safety infrastructure, including baggage scanners, command centres, and improved crowd monitoring systems.

Additional steps include revised entry and exit protocols, pre-bookable parking facilities, and metro access for ticket holders. Stadium gates will open four hours before the start of each match.

Menon also confirmed that the popular Unbox event will not be held this year, with the focus instead on delivering a smooth and secure matchday experience.