The Brian Lara Stadium, located in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, is a world-class cricket venue named after legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara. Part of a US$850 million elite sports complex, the stadium was envisioned as a premier facility for international and domestic cricket in the Caribbean. Originally scheduled to host preliminary matches of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, construction delays pushed its completion to 2017.
With a seating capacity of 15,000 (expandable to 20,000), the stadium combines modern architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant cricketing atmosphere, making it a landmark venue in West Indies cricket.
The stadium regularly hosts CPL (Caribbean Premier League) matches, T20Is, and domestic cricket tournaments, becoming a new hub for Trinidad & Tobago cricket.
It features:
- Modern pavilions with hospitality suites and VIP lounges
- Large player dressing rooms and practice facilities
- Media and broadcast centre with international standards
- Floodlights for day/night fixtures
- Spacious outfield with excellent drainage system
đ Location & Accessibility
- City: Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago
- Proximity: Situated 2 km south of San Fernando city centre
- Transport: Well connected via Solomon Hochoy Highway; ample parking space
- Environment: Built in a coastal Caribbean setting with tropical surroundings
đ Cricket History
- Inauguration: Officially opened in 2017
- First Match: CPL 2017 fixtures
- Major Role: Became a central CPL venue for Trinbago Knight Riders & international matches
Historic Matches:
- 2017: Hosted opening matches of the Caribbean Premier League
- 2020: CPL tournament hub under bio-secure environment
- 2023: West Indies vs India T20I series (international debut for the ground)
- Venue for several domestic tournaments in Trinidad & Tobago
đ Key Highlights & Features
- Seating Capacity: 15,000 (expandable to 20,000)
- Speciality: Dedicated to Brian Lara, one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history
- Pitch Behavior: Balanced surface with true bounce; supports stroke play
- Facilities: Corporate boxes, VIP pavilions, modern dressing rooms, media facilities
- Floodlights: Fully equipped for day/night international matches
- Multi-Purpose Use: Can host concerts, sports events, and cultural festivals
đī¸ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch Type: Balanced wicket offering pace early on, grip for spinners later
- Batting Conditions: Favors attacking batsmen; true bounce helps stroke makers
- Outfield: Fast, well-maintained, encourages aggressive batting
- Day/Night Matches: Floodlights ensure excellent visibility; tropical breeze can assist swing
đĨ Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 2017: CPL debut hosting Trinbago Knight Riders games
- 2020: Entire CPL tournament hosted here due to COVID-19 bio-secure measures
- 2023: Hosted West Indies vs India T20Is â first major international series at the stadium
- CPL finals and knockout matches in multiple editions
đ Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Electric carnival vibe with Caribbean music, drums, and dancing
- Seating: Comfortable stands with good visibility from all angles
- Family-Friendly: Food stalls, cultural entertainment, and safe fan zones
- Tourism Blend: Located near San Fernando, offering beaches, nightlife, and cultural sites
- Unique Appeal: First major modern stadium in Trinidad dedicated to a cricket legend
đ The Brian Lara Stadium stands as a modern jewel of West Indies cricket â honoring a legend while shaping the future of Caribbean cricket. With world-class facilities, thrilling matches, and carnival-like fan experiences, it is one of the newest yet most significant cricket stadiums in the Caribbean.
