The venue for the FIDE world chess championship was given the final touches on Friday.
It is reliably learnt that the total number of seats will be approximately 366. Space has also been created at the back and on the sides to ensure general public stand and watch the match free of charge.
“It will be a floating population. They have to stand and watch it. The duration depends on the number of people waiting outside (the venue) to witness.
“At a time, 100-150 can stand and watch,” said an official, in charge of the arrangements.
Two big screens will be installed on either side of the ball room for the spectators to follow the action.
The organisers have come up with the innovative idea of naming each corporate box after a former world champion. The seven boxes (each can accommodate eight) carry names such as Tal, Botvinnik, Capablanca, Lasker, Fischer, Alekhine and Petrosian.
The first row will be for VIPs (members of FIDE, All India Chess Federation and State Government officials).
The second row will be the corporate box, while the third (six) and fourth (six) rows will be for the premium and standard ticket-holders.
Another inspection
The inspection of the playing arena is a routine affair. But on Friday night, it became a talking point.
Magnus Carlsen had completed his inspection on Wednesday night and Viswanathan Anand had finished his on Thursday morning.
But with some people using the chairs inside the sound-proof enclosure meant for the players, another inspection had to be arranged on Friday night to ensure the teams were satisfied with the arrangements.
