Attending an RCB Match? Metro Routes, Tickets & Free Travel Explained

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will take on the 2016 title holders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, in the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The reigning champions will play the opening game for the third time in a row.

This season, the stadium will host only five matches, while the remaining two games will be played at their new home ground, which is in Raipur. The Karnataka government has introduced an initiative that could make travel easier for fans heading to one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, to watch the matches.

Fans to Get Free Metro for RCB Matches in IPL 2026

In previous seasons, fans of the most valuable IPL team faced commuting issues while travelling to the stadium to watch matches during their home games. To address this, the government has introduced a solution by offering free metro travel for fans attending the games. Fans will receive a Metro ticket along with their match tickets, which they must scan while travelling.

The metro tickets will be valid for one onward and one return journey on match days only and cannot be used beyond that. Additionally, the QR code is non-transferable, meaning it cannot be shared with friends or family members. According to sources, the RCB franchise will pay ₹100 per ticket to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), which will help generate revenue.

Tickets for Phase 1 will be released soon and will be sold exclusively through RCB’s official website and app. This time, fans can also pre-book parking spaces around the stadium on match days, making travel even more convenient. Metro services will run until 1 AM on match days.

The RCB franchise, in coordination with the government, is working to ensure a smoother and more fan-friendly experience at the stadium, including free metro travel in IPL on match days.

RCB to Take on SRH in IPL 2026 Opener

One of the best IPL teams, RCB, will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening encounter, with the match set to begin at 7:30 PM. As in every season, an opening ceremony will take place before the game. The players on both sides will be eager to kick off their campaign on a high note in the biggest cricket league in the world.

Both teams boast strong playing XI, which will make the encounter even more exciting. Rajat Patidar will lead RCB, while Ishan Kishan has been appointed SRH’s captain until Pat Cummins returns.