Fans build up excitement for IPL final

Thousands of frenzied fans swarmed into the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here hours before the Indian Premier League (IPL) final began Sunday evening between Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders amid tight security.

Even before the stadium gates were opened at 5 p.m., hundreds of fans stood in serpentine queues on a hot day to enter the stands after a quick frisking by cops and security guards.

"It's exciting to be here to watch an IPL final being held in Bangalore for the first time. Though the home team (Royal Challengers Bangalore) failed to make it, it's worth the money to see best teams clash for the title," Manoj Kumar, a post-graduate student from Mysore, told IANS.

Elaborate arrangements have been made at the venue to prevent any untoward incident and ensure safety and security of fans, players and grounds staff.

"We have deployed about 1,000 personnel around the stadium to provide fool-proof security. We have installed about 50 closed circuit television cameras at strategic locations to monitor movement," a senior police official said.

Much to the relief of the police, the notorious grid lock for which the city is reputed, was averted in the vicinity as vehicular traffic was less.

"We have taken a number of steps like banning parking of vehicles 1 km around the stadium, regulating movement of vehicles and restricting heavy vehicles to avert traffic jams and crowding," the official said.

Hawkers and vendors had a field day, selling flags, caps, jerseys and placards.

Many fans were seen getting their cheeks painted in the colours of both teams.