Coolidge Cricket Ground, located in St. George Parish, Antigua, is a modern cricket facility that blends Caribbean charm with state-of-the-art amenities. Originally built by billionaire Allen Stanford in the early 2000s, it started as a small, low-key ground for a few hundred fans but soon transformed into a high-quality cricketing venue. With a current seating capacity of around 5,000, it is among the most prominent smaller stadiums in the Caribbean and has hosted both international matches and franchise leagues.
Initially known as Stanford Cricket Ground, the venue became famous during the Stanford 20/20 tournaments and is now recognized as one of the training and competition hubs in West Indies cricket.
It features:
- Modern grandstand with upgraded seating and player facilities
- Media and commentary centre with advanced broadcast amenities
- Grassy banks providing a relaxed viewing experience for spectators
- Practice nets, training pitches, and modern dressing rooms
- Floodlights suitable for day/night matches
đź“Ť Location & Accessibility
- City: St. George Parish, Antigua
- Proximity: Situated close to V.C. Bird International Airport (just a few minutes away)
- Transport: Easily accessible by car/taxi from St. John’s (capital city) and nearby resorts
- Environment: A cozy, fan-friendly venue surrounded by Caribbean greenery and open spaces
🏏 Cricket History
- Established: Early 2000s (as Stanford Cricket Ground, later renamed Coolidge Cricket Ground)
- First International Match: Hosted official T20 Internationals in 2021 (West Indies vs Sri Lanka)
- Domestic Usage: Frequently used for Super50 Cup, CPL training matches, and CWI development programs
- Training Hub: Used by Cricket West Indies as a practice and academy venue
Historic Matches:
- 2006–2008: Stanford 20/20 tournaments brought global attention to the ground
- 2021: West Indies vs Sri Lanka T20I series hosted here
- Regular host of West Indies domestic competitions including Super50 Cup
🌟 Key Highlights & Features
- Seating Capacity: ~5,000
- Speciality: Known for its intimate, fan-friendly atmosphere
- Pitch Behavior: Balanced surface – batting-friendly but offers assistance to seamers under lights
- Facilities: Modern dressing rooms, upgraded media centre, training facilities
- Floodlights: Equipped for T20s and ODIs
- Unique Appeal: A “boutique stadium” – cozy, modern, and ideal for shorter formats
🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch Type:
- Early overs: seam movement with new ball
- Mid overs: batting-friendly with even bounce
- Later: spinners can extract some turn
- Batting Conditions: Fast outfield allows free stroke play
- Outfield: Well-maintained, lush, and quick
- Day/Night Matches: Lights make it ideal for T20 fixtures; evening dew can play a role
🔥 Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 2006–2008: Stanford 20/20 tournaments (Allen Stanford’s cricket revolution)
- 2021: West Indies vs Sri Lanka T20I series
- Super50 Cup: Hosted multiple domestic limited-overs tournaments
- CWI Training Base: Venue for development matches and regional training camps
🎉 Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Relaxed Caribbean vibe with enthusiastic crowds
- Seating: Combination of grassy banks and modern stands
- Family-Friendly: Small but engaging, with food stalls and music adding to the carnival feel
- Tourism Blend: Located close to Antigua’s beaches, resorts, and tourist attractions
- Unique Appeal: Offers a personal, close-up cricketing experience unlike larger Caribbean stadiums
👉 Coolidge Cricket Ground stands out as one of the Caribbean’s most modern boutique stadiums. Though smaller in capacity, its history with the Stanford 20/20, international fixtures, and role as a CWI hub make it a vital venue in West Indies cricket. It combines modern facilities with an intimate fan experience, making it truly special in the Caribbean cricket landscape.
