City: St John's
Country: Antigua and Barbuda
Capacity: 9000
The Antigua Recreation Ground, nestled in the heart of St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, holds a special place in the annals of cricketing history. Established in 1978, this ground has witnessed both thrilling matches and historic performances, making it a prominent fixture in the world of cricket. With a modest seating capacity of around 10,000, it might not be the grandest of stadiums, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character and charm.
The ground’s most significant facelift came in the late 1990s when upgrades were made to accommodate the demands of modern cricket. Despite these updates, the venue has managed to retain its quaint, quintessentially Caribbean vibe, offering a delightful balance between traditional charm and modern functionality.
The Antigua Recreation Ground has served as a home ground for the local Leeward Islands team, as well as the West Indies team on many occasions. Amongst its notable contributions to the international cricket calendar are the three World Cup fixtures staged in 1998, showcasing cricket at its competitive best.
One can’t talk about the Antigua Recreation Ground without mentioning the incredible feats that occurred on its turf, notably Brian Lara’s record-breaking innings of 375 in 1994 against England, which was a spellbinding display of batting prowess. The pitch itself is known to be quite batting-friendly, often resulting in high-scoring encounters, though it can occasionally offer some assistance to slower bowlers, injecting a bit of unpredictability.
Its uniqueness is underlined by several quirky features. The spectator stands, including the famous “Double Decker” stand, provide breathtaking vistas of both the action and the surrounding scenic beauty. And then there’s the LIME Hill, where fans congregate with an unflinching passion for the game, creating an atmosphere that is both boisterous and infectious.
Getting to the Antigua Recreation Ground is relatively straightforward, with its central location in St John’s. Fans can easily access it via well-connected road networks, with bus routes and taxis servicing the area efficiently. The ground’s facilities, while modest, ensure a comfortable experience, with ample food and refreshment options.
In essence, the Antigua Recreation Ground isn’t just a cricket ground; it's a hallowed space where history has been written and rewritten, a place that embodies the spirit of cricket in the Caribbean, cherished by both locals and cricket aficionados worldwide.
