New York: Modular Cricket Stadium Underway for ICC T20 World Cup 2024
- Nassau County Cricket Stadium gears up for ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
- Populous-designed, sustainable venue hosts India vs. Pakistan on June 9.
- Hough’s drop-in pitches: Adelaide to NY.
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, a novel modular stadium, is rapidly taking shape in New York to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The 34,000-seat stadium, a first-of-its-kind for cricket in the region, is poised to become the focal point for the tournament, set to be completed in an impressive three-month timeline.
Designed by renowned architects Populous, the same team behind iconic stadiums like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium promises to be a unique sporting venue in the heart of New York. The grandstands, previously utilized for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, are being repurposed for sustainability, aligning with the project’s commitment to environmental consciousness.
Eight key matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, including the highly anticipated clash between cricket rivals India and Pakistan on June 9, will be hosted at this modular marvel. The stadium will offer an array of seating options, including premium and general admission, VIP and hospitality suites, along with a one-of-a-kind party deck and cabanas for a diverse fan experience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the introduction of world-first drop-in pitches, overseen by groundsman Damien Hough and his team at Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions. Hough, an expert in growing and preparing drop-in pitches, outlined the complexity of the process involving the construction of modular trays in Adelaide, shipping them to Florida, and then transporting them to New York. The meticulous preparation involves soil placement, compaction, and grass application, with LandTek in Florida assisting in the crucial grow-in phase.
Hough highlighted the logistical challenges of transporting the pitches, mentioning that they will be transported from Florida to New York in an unprecedented two-day journey, a testament to the pioneering nature of this endeavor. The innovative drop-in pitches will play a pivotal role in the tournament, with four installed in the main stadium and six in the warm-up venue, accommodating a busy schedule of eight games in 10 days.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in early June, Hough expressed his excitement at being part of this historic event. Despite juggling responsibilities for Adelaide Oval’s Test match and BBL pitches, he emphasized the pride in contributing to a World Cup on American soil for the first time.
With the stadium on the verge of completion, New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is poised to make a significant mark in cricket history, blending innovation, sustainability, and top-tier sporting action in the heart of the city that never sleeps.
