Sports Facilities and Stadiums in Varanasi | HelloBanaras
A practical guide to stadiums, university fields and riverside sports spots in Varanasi with local tips and history.
3 min read
Discover playing fields, university grounds and historic stadiums across the city.
Varanasi blends ancient sporting traditions with modern facilities. From the sprawling grounds of BHU to the central Sigra stadium, athletes train beside the Ganga and in the narrow lanes of Lanka and Bhelupur.
At a Glance
Where to Find Sports Venues
Key locations spread from the Cantonment to Assi Ghat.
Sigra Stadium
Dr. Sampurnanand Stadium hosts cricket and athletics in the heart of the city.
BHU Grounds
Banaras Hindu University offers extensive fields, gymkhana and swimming facilities.
Ganjari International Cricket Stadium
A new 30,000-seat international ground near Rajatalab, with trishul floodlights and a damru pavilion; opening proposed for December 2026. Read the guide.
Assi Riverside Sports
Boating clubs and open yoga fields near Assi Ghat.
Cantonment Courts
Tennis and badminton courts in the Cantonment area.
Development Timeline
BHU founded
First organised sports facilities established at the new university.
Sigra opens
Dr. Sampurnanand Stadium built for district-level competitions.
Swimming pools
Indoor and Olympic pools added near Lanka and BHU.
Modern upgrades
Floodlights and synthetic tracks installed at major venues.
Tips from people who live here
Best time
Early mornings or late evenings avoid the heat; many grounds open at sunrise.
How to reach
Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws connect Sigra, BHU and Cantonment easily.
What to bring
Comfortable cotton clothes, water bottle and a light towel for the humid weather.
Local etiquette
Respect morning prayers at nearby ghats when training beside the river.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the largest stadium in Varanasi?
Today it is Dr. Sampurnanand Stadium at Sigra, the main multi-purpose venue for cricket and athletics. The new international cricket stadium at Ganjari, built for about 30,000 spectators and proposed to open in December 2026, will be the largest once it opens.
Can visitors use BHU sports facilities?
University grounds are mainly for students, but some events and public sessions are open seasonally.
Are there swimming pools open to the public?
Yes, municipal and university pools near Lanka and BHU offer daily passes for visitors.
Where can I play football or cricket casually?
Open grounds near Assi Ghat and in Cantonment parks welcome informal games most evenings.
Is there any water sports facility?
Rowing and boating clubs operate from Assi and Rajghat during the calmer winter months.
