Derby should always be at the YBK. 2 sets of supporters are well separated inside the stadium, though there is always that exchange of pleasantries before & after the match. And ohhh..... a 70-80-90 k crowd...... the atmosphere is fantastic. Believe me the atmosphere is electric & it is real.....no Dignitary is required.
The problem is availability of Salt Lake Stadium. For last 9-10 years, I am observing that every year the stadium is closed for few months for renovation. To put artificial turf, to remove artificial turf, to relay natural turf, to remove athletics track, to install floodlights, to install bucket seats. Instead of 9-10 years of continous renovations, they should have done one serious rebuilding of stadium.After so many renovations, stadium still looks like 1984 era stadium. Look at JLN chennai, JLN delhi, Eden Gardens, Wankhede, Chepauk-they all have rebilt and modernised their stadiums.
How many derbies have been played outside YBK in last 10 years of ileague that you are questioning its availability? Non derby matches I completely agree, the clubs should host in home grounds but derby is a must in YBK. You cant feel the atmosphere sitting in front of TV or computer screen, its hostile, its emotional and passionate in a 80K YBK, exactly how it should be.
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Look at JLN chennai, JLN delhi, Eden Gardens, Wankhede, Chepauk-they all have rebilt and modernised their stadiums.