11 March,2010 10:08 AM IST | | Media Release
The D.Y. Patil at Navi Mumbai will be the epicenter of Indian and global cricket fans alike as the DLF Indian Premier League 2010 kicks-off here on March 12th. The cricketing quotient aside, fans will be treated to an eye-catching array of global artists and entertainers at the Grand Opening Ceremony.
The Opening Ceremony, executed by DNA Entertainment Networks, promises to be a breathtaking visual extravaganza which will showcase international performers Lionel Richie, Ali Campbell of UB40's and Bjorn Again..
Prior to the commencement of the Opening Ceremony, the eight team captains participating in DLF IPL 2010 will take the "MCC - Spirit of Cricket" oath to respect their opponents, their teams and their umpires. The captains will then sign the Spirit of Cricket Board as an attestation to play the game within the spirit of cricket.
The Opening Ceremony's entertainment will then kick-off in earnest with internationally-renowned star, UB40's Ali Campbell, performing the all-time hit song "Can't Help Falling in Love" supported by a troupe of dancers in colorful costumes.
Bjorn Again will then take center-stage to entertain fans at the stadium and at home with ABBA's super hit song "Dancing Queen" accompanied by 16 dancers in retro costumes. Towards the end of Bjorn Again's performance, 240 performers wearing LED costumes that glow in the dark will move towards the center stage and create the chakra and its 24 spokes to symbolize IPL's return back home to India.
The Bollywood segment of the show will then kick-on with the entrance of starlet Deepika Padukone along with 40 dancers. Deepika will perform to a medley of "Tonight's Going to be Good Night" from the Black Eyed Peas, "Teri Adayein" from Karthik calling Karthik, and "TWIST" from Love Aaj Kal.
Hoola Hoop juggling artists will then create the logos of the eight IPL teams using LED glow sticks, which will be followed by a breathtaking laser show.
For the grand final, legendary pop icon Lionel Richie will perform his hit single "Dancing on the Ceiling" as all the artists and performers converge onto the center stage. The ceremony will culminate in the largest fireworks display ever to light up the Navi Mumbai sky to herald the start of DLF Indian Premier League 2010.
As the festivities come to a close, the real action will begin with the opening match between the Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
