The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin with a spectacular start on March 26, 2026.
The IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 promises to deliver world-class entertainment before the season’s first ball is bowled at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Fans across the globe eagerly await this annual extravaganza that combines cricket, music, and cultural performances.
The event has evolved into a festival-like celebration that marks the official kickoff of India’s most-watched T20 cricket tournament.
IPL Opening Ceremony 2026

IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 – Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | TATA IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 |
| Edition | 19th Season |
| Date | March 26, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Time | 6:00 PM IST |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Opening Match | RCB vs PBKS |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| TV Telecast | Star Sports Network |
| Tickets Starting From | ₹1,500 |
What is IPL Opening Ceremony 2026?
- Tournament Kickoff Event: The ceremony officially launches the IPL season with performances, team introductions, and visual spectacles that set the tone for the tournament ahead.
- Integrated Match Experience: The IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 is scheduled immediately before the first match, allowing fans to enjoy both entertainment and cricket with a single ticket purchase.
- Cultural Celebration: Over the years, the IPL opening has transformed into a cultural phenomenon blending Bollywood, music, dance, and cricket fandom into one grand celebration.
- High Demand Event: Since no separate ticket is required, demand for opening match tickets remains extremely high, making early booking essential for interested fans.
IPL 2026 Opening Ceremony Date, Time & Venue
- Confirmed Date: The ceremony is scheduled for March 26, 2026, aligning perfectly with the season opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings.
- Event Timing: The show will begin at 6:00 PM IST and is expected to conclude by 7:00 PM, followed immediately by the toss for the opening match.
- Stadium Location: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host the event, as RCB plays the first match of the season at their home ground.
- Seamless Integration: The ceremony and match are planned as a continuous event, ensuring ticket holders experience both without any gap or separate entry requirements.
IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 Performers List (Expected)
- A.R. Rahman: The legendary composer is expected to headline with a high-energy patriotic musical performance designed to energize the national audience and stadium crowd.
- Ranveer Singh: Known for his electrifying stage presence, the Bollywood actor is likely to deliver crowd-engaging dance acts and interactive performances.
- Rashmika Mandanna: The popular actress is anticipated to feature in a South-themed segment, appealing especially to the local Bengaluru fan base with trending tracks.
- Tiger Shroff: The action star is expected to showcase gravity-defying stunts and choreographed dance routines that highlight athleticism and entertainment.
- Anirudh Ravichander: The music director, may make a special appearance, given the strong Southern India connection, performing viral hits that resonate with regional audiences.
IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 Tickets Price & Booking
Tickets for the IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 are bundled with the opening match entry. Fans purchasing seats for the RCB vs PBKS match automatically gain access to the full ceremony without any additional cost.
Online booking is the fastest and safest method to secure tickets due to exceptionally high demand. The booking platforms are expected to open shortly after official schedule announcements from the BCCI.
IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 Tickets Price
| Seating Category | Expected Price Range |
|---|---|
| General Stands (C, D, E Lower) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 |
| Upper Tier Seats (I, J, K Upper) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 |
| Premium Pavilion Terrace | ₹5,000 – ₹7,500 |
| Hospitality VIP Boxes | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000+ |
How to Book IPL Opening Ceremony Tickets Online?
- Visit Official Team Website: Navigate to the official RCB website at www.royalchallengers.com or download the RCB official mobile app once ticket sales go live.
- User Registration: Create a new account or log in to your existing profile before the booking window opens to save time during the purchase process.
- Select Opening Match: Choose the first match scheduled on March 26, 2026, between RCB and PBKS from the available fixtures list.
- Choose Seats & Pay: Select your preferred seating category and number of tickets, then complete payment via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- Digital Ticket Delivery: Tickets are delivered as mobile QR codes to your registered phone number, which serve as your stadium entry pass on match day.
Where to Watch IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 Live?
- Mobile & Web Streaming: JioHotstar will provide free live streaming of the entire ceremony for online viewers, offering 4K resolution and multi-camera viewing options.
- Television Broadcast: Star Sports Network will telecast the IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 across multiple channels in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and other regional languages.
- Enhanced Features: Viewers can expect multi-cam angles, hype mode options, and high-definition viewing experiences across both digital and television platforms.
- Stadium Arrival: Fans planning to attend in person should reach the stadium by 5:00 PM to avoid rush and secure their seats before the ceremony begins.
Important Links
- IPL Official Website: Visit iplt20.com for official schedules, team announcements, tournament updates, and verified information about the upcoming season.
- RCB Ticket Portal: Access royalchallengers.com for authentic ticket booking once sales open, avoiding unauthorized third-party sellers and potential fraud.
- Mobile Apps: Download the official RCB app from the Android Play Store or the iOS App Store for direct ticket purchases and real-time updates.
- Streaming Platforms: Access the JioHotstar app or website for live coverage, replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the ceremony.
Conclusion:
The IPL Opening Ceremony 2026 is set to deliver an unforgettable start to the 19th season of Indian Premier League cricket.
Key highlights include:
- Grand ceremony at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on March 26, 2026
- Star-studded performances from A.R. Rahman, Ranveer Singh, and other top entertainers
- Tickets bundled with the opening match start from ₹1,500
- Free live streaming on JioHotstar and telecast on Star Sports Network
Fans should stay alert for official ticket sales announcements and book early to secure their spot.
All information remains subject to final confirmation from the BCCI as the tournament approaches.