The decision to replace Antigua’s premier venue with the popular and atmospheric Antigua Recreation Ground was not a popular one, but the ARG’s limited space limited the potential for development. The new stadium, which was constructed in time for the 2007 World Cup, has had issues from the beginning, with serious accessibility issues even for small crowds and the local population’s reluctance to embrace the more remote new stadium resulting in low attendances.
The condition of the outfield has also raised concerns from the start. The 2009 Test against England was farcically abandoned after ten balls due to the sand-covered and hazardous state of the bowlers’ run-ups, despite being relaid after the 2008 Australia Test. It casts doubt on the venue’s long-term viability.
- Established Opened Feb 10, 2007
- Named after Sir Vivian Richards
- Capacity 10,000
- Floodlights Four towers, first tested Nov 10, 2006
- End names Andy Roberts End, Curtly Ambrose End
- Home teams Antigua and Barbuda, Leeward Islands
- Current local time 04:08, Thu Dec 08, 2022 (UTC -0400)
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Batting Or Bowling Pitch?
The wicket at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium supports both batters and bowlers. The pitch will become entirely flat in the second half of the game, making it easier for batters to score runs. The batting side would like to score more than 250 runs.
History
Despite the fact that the Antigua Recreation Ground’s limited acreage limited expansion potential, the choice to replace it as Antigua’s most popular site was contentious. Even when attendance is low, severe issues with access to the grass field continue – and residents’ reluctance to accept the new ground’s distance ensured attendance was low from the outset. The outfield has also been a source of worry since the beginning, and despite being changed following the Australia Test in 2008, the 2009 Test against England was called off after 10 balls due to the sandy and unsafe state of bowlers’ run-ups. It sparked questions about the long-term viability of a neglected venue.
The stadium is divided into two massive stands: the five-story southern one, which houses the pavilion as well as corporate business dress, and the north. Burms (terraces) were built on the eastern and western sides to give the idea of a more casual Caribbean environment.
More matches information
- First Test: 30 May–3 June 2008: West Indies v Australia
- Last Test: 29 March–2 April 2021: West Indies v Sri Lanka
- First ODI: 27 March 2007: West Indies v Australia
- Last ODI: 14 March 2021: West Indies v Sri Lanka
- First T20: 19 May 2010: West Indies v South Africa
- Last T20: 13 November 2021: Argentina v Canada