Kolkata: If everything goes well, Kolkata may get to witness a "a top class club" like Barcelona or Manchester United by next year.
In the build-up to their milestone centenary year celebration in 2020, East Bengal, with support from the state government, today announced their grand plans to invite a top class club next year.
Without naming any club, Bengal sports minister Madan Mitra said, "Undoubtedly it will be a top class club... The biggest-ever to play in India next year. It maybe a Brazilian or an European. But nothing has been finalised."
The countdown for 2020 will start this year with a gala 'Star Nite' in which Bollywood heartthrobs Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha set to perform at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on December 21.
Riding a horse with Sonakshi, the Bollywood action hero Akshay will be seen in red-and-gold jersey waving the club flag to start the proceedings at 5.30pm.
"We've seen many ceremonies but this will be breathtaking and worth watching," an East Bengal official said.
Among other highlights, thespian Soumitra Chatterjee will spearhead the opening ceremony by his scintillating poem recitation, while German super model Claudia Ciesla will spice up the show by grroving to her numbers.
Music composer Pritam, Bhangra artist Mehso and Indian singer Anushka Manchanda will also perform in the four-hour show.
54,000 tickets are up for grabs from 80 counters across the city including at the East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting tents.
"The denomination for gallery tickets will be Rs 300, Rs 500 and Rs 900," a club official said.
But to watch the show from the proximity of the stage, one has to shell out at least 10 times more.
"There will be a few seats on the field in the denominations of Rs 3,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 9,000."
