National Cricket Stadium

St George's
গ্রেনাডা
National Cricket Stadium image
National Cricket Stadium

The National Cricket Stadium, St. George’s, Grenada, is one of the most vibrant cricket venues in the Caribbean. Officially inaugurated as a Test venue in 2002, when West Indies played New Zealand, it became the 84th ground to host Test cricket worldwide. With a capacity of around 20,000 spectators, the stadium is known for its scenic charm, lying adjacent to the Grenada National Football & Athletics Stadium, and offering fans a festive Caribbean cricket experience.

Built with an investment of $5 million as part of the region’s preparation for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, the ground transformed from a modest venue into an international-standard stadium. The presence of St. George’s University, which also houses the West Indies Cricket Academy, has further cemented its place as a hub of cricketing activity in the region.

The stadium regularly hosts Tests, ODIs, T20Is, CPL matches, and regional domestic tournaments.

📍 Location & Accessibility

  • City: St. George’s, Grenada
  • Proximity: Close to capital city & Grand Anse Beach, a major tourist attraction
  • Transport: Accessible by road and taxis; located near Maurice Bishop International Airport
  • Environment: Overlooks the scenic Caribbean coast, giving fans a unique island-view cricket experience

🏏 Cricket History

  • Test Debut: June 2002 – West Indies vs New Zealand
  • ODI Debut: April 1999 – West Indies vs Australia
  • T20I Debut: July 2014 – West Indies vs New Zealand
  • World Cup: Hosted matches during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup

Historic Matches:

  • 2002: Inaugural Test between West Indies and New Zealand
  • 2007: Hosted key fixtures during ICC Cricket World Cup
  • 2015: England vs West Indies Test – where England’s Joe Root shined with a classy century
  • CPL: Regular venue for Caribbean Premier League matches, known for its festive vibes

🌟 Key Highlights & Features

  • Seating Capacity: ~20,000
  • Speciality: Known for its festive Caribbean crowd and beachside vibes
  • Pitch Behavior: Traditionally batting-friendly, with some assistance for seamers under humid conditions
  • Facilities: Modern pavilion, media centre, player training areas, floodlights
  • Tourist Appeal: Close to beaches, hotels, and historic attractions of St. George’s

🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics

  • Pitch Type: Balanced but slightly batting-friendly
  • Early Overs: Seam movement possible with humidity and breeze
  • Later Overs: Spinners get some grip, but generally supports stroke play
  • Outfield: Fast, lush green outfield – ideal for aggressive batting
  • Day/Night Matches: Equipped with floodlights, breeze affects swing bowling

🔥 Famous Matches & Tournaments

  • 2002: First-ever Test – West Indies vs New Zealand
  • 2007: ICC Cricket World Cup matches
  • 2015: England vs West Indies Test (Root’s century, Anderson’s milestones)
  • CPL: Home to several exciting Caribbean Premier League encounters

🎉 Fan Experience

  • Atmosphere: True Caribbean carnival vibes with drums, music & dancing fans
  • Seating: Combination of covered stands and open-air seating
  • Family-Friendly: Food stalls, entertainment, and festive Caribbean hospitality
  • Tourism Blend: Fans can enjoy cricket along with Grenada’s stunning beaches and cultural attractions
  • Unique Appeal: A venue that combines cricket with island life, giving spectators a memorable holiday-cricket blend

👉 The National Cricket Stadium, Grenada, is more than just a cricket venue – it is a festival ground where Caribbean passion, international cricket, and tropical beauty come together. It remains a key jewel in West Indies cricket and a fan-favorite destination for tourists and cricket lovers alike.