Sir Vivian Richards Stadium: Cricket in the Caribbean

Hey cricket fans, pack your bags and sunscreen because we’re heading to the sunny shores of Antigua & Barbuda! Our destination? None other than the magnificent Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, a venue that’s as legendary as the man it’s named after. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of cricket in the USA and beyond.

Location, Location, Location

Located just a 10-20 minute drive from St. John’s capital city and the international airport1, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is as accessible as it is stunning. Named after the legendary West Indies captain, Viv Richards, this stadium is a testament to the love for cricket in the region and a beacon for the sport’s growth globally.

“Cricket is more than a game; it is a passion, and above all, a way of life” ~ Sir Vivian Richards

More Than Just a Cricket Ground

This isn’t your average cricket ground. With a capacity of 10,000 people2 (expandable with temporary seating for major events like the T20 World Cup 2024), two main stands (Northern and Southern), practice pitches, training facilities, and a media centre3, this place is a cricket lover’s dream come true.

But that’s not all. The stadium also boasts unique underground passageways for teams4, making it feel like you’re in an action movie every time you step onto the field. Plus, the renovated north and south ends are named after Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Andy Roberts5, adding a dash of cricketing history to the mix.

A Place of History and Controversy

Like any good cricket ground, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium has its share of historical moments and controversies. It hosted its first Test match in May 2008 between West Indies and Australia, which ended in a draw6.

However, the stadium also faced controversy in 2009 due to an infamous outfield issue that led to the suspension of international matches for 12 months7. But hey, all great places have their ups and downs.

Not Just a Stadium, But a Tourist Destination

Did you know that the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium has a seating capacity of 13,000 spectators over 16 acres, making it the largest cricket stadium in the Caribbean8? And with modern amenities like floodlights, separate dressing rooms, commentary boxes, replay areas, food and beverage outlets, and an electronic scoreboard9, this place is more than just a cricket ground; it’s a cricketing paradise.

But wait, there’s more! The stadium is also adjacent to a golf course and crafts village for tourists10. So, whether you’re here for the cricket or just to soak up the sun, there’s something for everyone.

Cricket and Beyond: A Venue for All

Since its opening in 2007, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium has hosted major cricket matches, including Test, ODI, and T20I11. It’s also been a venue for Women’s ODIs (WODIs) and Women’s T20Is (WT20Is), with the first WODI held on September 8, 2019, and the latest on December 9, 202212. Similarly, the first WT20I took place on February 18, 2012, with the most recent game on December 11, 202213.

Records and Legacy

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium isn’t just a venue; it’s a place where records are made and legends are born. It’s hosted momentous matches, including the record-setting Test score of 751-5 declared by the West Indies against Bangladesh in 200914.

FAQs

Q1: Where is the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium located?

The stadium is located in North Sound, Antigua & Barbuda, about a 10-20 minute drive from St. John’s capital city and the international airport1.

Q2: What is the seating capacity of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium?

The stadium can accommodate 10,000 spectators but can be expanded with temporary seating for major events2.

Q3: What are some unique features of the Sir Vivian Stadium?

The stadium boasts two main stands (Northern and Southern), practice pitches, training facilities, a media centre, and unique underground passageways for teams34.

Q4: Has the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium ever hosted a T20 World Cup match?

Yes, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is one of the venues for the T20 World Cup 202415.

Q5: What is the record for the highest Test score at the Sir Vivian Stadium?

The record for the highest Test score at the stadium is 751-5 declared by the West Indies against Bangladesh in 200914.

So, whether you’re a cricket fanatic looking forward to the T20 World Cup 2024 or a casual fan looking to soak up some sunshine and cricketing action, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua & Barbuda, is the place to be. See you there!

Footnotes

1. Location and Accessibility
2. Facilities and Capacity
3. Facilities and Features
4. Unique Features
5. Stadium Ends
6. Historical Moments
7. Controversies 
8. Stadium Capacity
9. Modern Amenities
10. Tourist Attractions
11. Cricket Matches
12. WODI Matches
13. WT20I Matches 
14. Record Test Score
15. T20 World Cup 2024 Venue