The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was built in 1933 as a gift for Delhi from the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, it was originally multipurpose stadium and named as the Irwin Amphitheatre. It was designed by Anthony S. DeMillo and opened by Lord Willingdon. As per the original plans of architect of New Delhi Edwin Lutyens there was to be garden at the site, to provide a clear view of the historic Purana Quila (Old Fort) in the backdrop, as it lay perpendicular to the axis beginning from Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) through Rajpath and ending at the India Gate. It was renamed as National Stadium before the 1951 Asian Games, The Major Dhyan Chand's name was added in the year 2002.

The Major Dhyan Chand Stadium was the host venue for the 2010 Men's Hockey World Cup. It was also the field hockey venue of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The stadium underwent a major reconstruction project before the Hockey World Cup 2010.

On 24 January 2010 it became the first venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be unveiled. The stadium was revamped at a cost of Rs 262 crore. The stands, which were earthen embankments, were demolished and a new rectangular seating bowl was constructed in its place.

The stadium is spread over 17,500 square metres in the 37-acre (150,000 m) complex. It has three synthetic pitches — two conform to international standards and a third is for practice.

A new polygrass turf was laid on all pitches equipped with new sprinkler systems. The main field has a capacity to seat about 16,200 spectators. The second pitch outside the main arena has 900 permanent seats and with a provision of 1,600 temporary seats. The two competitive pitches are flood-lit with foldable floodlight towers (hinged mast lights) which will provide 2,200 lux illumination during the competition. This will enable high definition TV transmission.

Both the pitches are equipped with facilities for the players like change rooms, relaxation lounges and a VVIP lounge.