Arnos Vale Ground, also known as Arnos Vale Stadium, is a multi-purpose sports venue located in Arnos Vale, near Kingstown, St. Vincent. Part of the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, this ground has been an iconic venue in the Caribbean cricketing landscape. With a seating capacity of around 18,000, the stadium is primarily used for cricket and football matches, blending Caribbean sporting culture with a scenic setting near the coastline.
Established in the early 1980s, the ground has hosted international matches across all formats but is now more active in domestic cricket and local leagues.
đ Location & Accessibility
- City: Arnos Vale, near Kingstown, St. Vincent
- Proximity: Situated close to the islandâs capital and the E.T. Joshua Airport, making it easily accessible
- Transport: Well connected via local roads, taxis, and buses
- Environment: Nestled near the coast with a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere; offers scenic views of the surrounding hills
đ Cricket History
- First International Match: February 4, 1981 â ODI between West Indies and England (hosts won by 2 runs)
- Test Debut: 1997 â West Indies vs Sri Lanka
- ODIs Hosted: Multiple ODIs featuring West Indies and visiting nations during the 1980sâ2000s
- T20Is: The ground has seen limited T20 international action but gained recognition during domestic T20 tournaments
- Vincy Premier League (VPL): In 2020, it became the centre stage during Covid-19 for the inaugural edition of the VPL, marking the return of live cricket with international players
Notable Matches
- 1981: West Indies vs England ODI thriller (hosts won by 2 runs)
- 1997: Hosted its first Test (WI vs Sri Lanka)
- 2009: ODI series matches featuring West Indies against touring teams
- 2014: Last international game hosted (since then, focus on domestic cricket and T20 leagues)
đ Key Highlights & Features
- Seating Capacity: ~18,000
- Multi-Sport Use: Hosts both cricket and football matches
- Ends of the Ground: Airport End and Bequia End
- Facilities: Part of Arnos Vale Sports Complex, with adjacent playing fields and training areas
- Event Usage: Also used for local cultural and community events besides cricket
đī¸ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch Nature: Traditionally slow and low, assisting spinners while making stroke play challenging
- Batting Conditions: Scoring is not always easy; batters need patience and technique
- Bowling Conditions: Spinners and medium pacers thrive; seamers rely on accuracy rather than pace
- Outfield: Generally fast, supports quick singles and boundary hitting
- Day/Night Matches: Rare, as floodlight facilities are limited compared to modern venues
đĨ Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 1981: First ODI (WI vs ENG) â a 2-run thriller
- 1997: First Test (WI vs SL)
- 2009: Hosted several ODIs during West Indies home season
- 2014: Last international before shifting to domestic competitions
- 2020: Hosted Vincy Premier League â first cricket tournament with overseas players after the Covid-19 break
đ Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Intimate Caribbean vibe, lively crowd with music, drums, and celebrations
- Seating: Mix of traditional stands and open areas; fans enjoy close-to-action viewing
- Local Flavor: Food stalls serve Caribbean delicacies, adding to the festive feel
- Tourist Attraction: Located near Kingstown â visitors can explore beaches, local culture, and nearby islands
- Unique Appeal: A ground with rich cricketing memories, blending sport with Caribbean charm
đ Arnos Vale Ground may not host frequent international fixtures today, but it remains an integral part of West Indies cricket history. From its early ODIs to hosting the Vincy Premier League, the stadium continues to carry forward the cricketing spirit of St. Vincent.
