Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, formerly known as Beausejour Cricket Ground, is located near Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. Completed in 2002, it quickly established itself as one of the premier venues in the Caribbean, combining modern infrastructure with the island’s natural beauty. With a seating capacity of around 15,000, it is known for its scenic surroundings, excellent facilities, and its role in West Indies cricket.
It hosted its first international match in 2002 and its first Test match in 2003. In 2006, it created history by becoming the first stadium in the West Indies to host a floodlit ODI (West Indies vs Zimbabwe).
The stadium includes 18 hospitality suites, a state-of-the-art pavilion with gyms, lounges, conference rooms, and balconies for teams, making it a modern cricketing hub.
📍 Location & Accessibility
- City: Gros Islet, near Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia
- Proximity: Located close to the tourist hotspot of Rodney Bay and northern Saint Lucia resorts
- Transport: Accessible by road with adequate parking facilities; taxis and shuttles available for tourists
- Environment: Nestled in a lush Caribbean setting with tropical vibes, enhancing the spectator experience
🏏 Cricket History
- Test Debut: June 2003 – West Indies vs Sri Lanka
- ODI Debut: 2002 – West Indies vs New Zealand
- T20I Debut: 2010 – West Indies vs Zimbabwe
- Historic First: 2006 – First-ever floodlit ODI in the West Indies (WI vs Zimbabwe)
Notable Matches:
- 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup fixtures
- 2010 ICC T20 World Cup matches
- Multiple thrilling West Indies performances in ODIs and Tests
- Domestic cricket and CPL (Caribbean Premier League) fixtures, serving as home to the Saint Lucia Kings (formerly Zouks)
🌟 Key Highlights & Features
- Seating Capacity: ~15,000
- Facilities: 18 hospitality suites, player gym, lounges, modern pavilion, media centre
- Floodlights: First in the Caribbean to host day-night ODIs
- Pitch Behavior: Generally good for batting, with some bounce for pacers; spinners also come into play later
- Scenic Location: Overlooks Rodney Bay’s coastline, popular among tourists
- Tourist Attraction: Proximity to beaches, resorts, and cultural hotspots in Saint Lucia
🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch Type:
- Early overs: Assists fast bowlers with bounce
- Later stages: Slows down, spinners find grip
- Batting Conditions: Good surface for stroke play, high-scoring ODIs and T20s common
- Outfield: Fast, lush, and batter-friendly
- Day/Night Matches: Excellent floodlighting system, with Caribbean breeze adding swing factor
🔥 Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 2003: First Test match (WI vs Sri Lanka)
- 2006: First floodlit ODI in West Indies (WI vs Zimbabwe)
- 2007: Hosted ICC Cricket World Cup matches
- 2010: Hosted ICC World T20 fixtures
- CPL: Regular home ground for Saint Lucia Kings, with packed, carnival-like crowds
🎉 Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Caribbean carnival vibe with music, dancing, and passionate fans
- Seating: Mix of modern stands, suites, and general seating for casual spectators
- Entertainment: Food courts, local cuisine, and cultural performances during matches
- Family-Friendly: Safe, tourist-friendly with entertainment zones and hospitality boxes
- Tourism Blend: Fans enjoy cricket along with nearby beaches, nightlife, and luxury resorts
👉 Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium stands as a jewel in Caribbean cricket – modern, scenic, and historic. From hosting the region’s first floodlit ODI to staging World Cup fixtures, it remains one of the most significant cricketing venues in the West Indies.
