Watching their favorite sports events live in large-capacity venues is probably at the top of every sports enthusiast’s bucket list. No matter how often you have witnessed games in these venues, every attendance will always feel like the first time for die-hard fans.
With a global sport like cricket, the crowd’s excitement in the stadiums is incomparable. Everyone who’s been a live audience can relate. The competitive spirit is definitely at another level as fellow spectators cheer for their bets on the venue. The thrill is even more intensified by every stadium’s amazing architecture and rich history.
In this list, let’s take a look at the five must-visit cricket stadiums, where they’re located, and why they’re so popular.
Eden Park
Located in Auckland, New Zealand, Eden Park was established in 1900 to host cricket and rugby games. The venue is sometimes called New Zealand’s national stadium. It has a 50,000 seating capacity, and is popular among fans of super smash cricket bets.
The site was owned and operated by the Eden Park Trust Board. Its official tenants are the Blues, Auckland Rugby, Auckland Cricket, New Zealand Warriors, and the NRL Auckland Nines.
Basically, Eden Park hosts cricket during summer and rugby during winter. Some of the most prominent events that took place in Eden Park are the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup, 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, and two Rugby World Cup Finals. Besides sport events, Eden Park also hosts different cultural events and concerts.
Lord’s Cricket Ground
The Lord’s Cricket Ground is often called the “Home of Cricket.” Since it’s the oldest cricket stadium, many consider it to have a history comparable to a museum. To date, this cricket stadium is 209 years old, established in 1814.
This must-visit ground is currently under the ownership of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Since establishing this ground, it has been the home of the MCC. This famous ground is in St. Johns Wood, London, United Kingdom.
Additionally, this ground has a capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators. The stadium includes iconic features like the Long Room and the Pavilion (Roof Terrace)— famous sights not only in London but also around the world.
In 1999, they added the Media Centre in Lord’s, which has a futuristic design with a 21st-century twist in contrast to the traditional alluring charm of its grounds. Although it prompted disapproval from traditionalists, it’s still been celebrated for the forward-looking millennium of the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is widely known as the second-largest cricket stadium in the world and the world’s 10th-largest sports stadium. This cricket ground is synonymous with cricketing extravaganzas, distinctively the Boxing Day Test, which is annually celebrated on this ground.
MCG, as most Australians call it, has a capacity of 100,024 seaters, to be exact. Moreover, the well-known Bay 13, the expansive stands, and the colossal scoreboard all add up to the grandeur of the entire stadium.
Furthermore, cricket fans are drawn by the electric vibe and atmosphere of the ground during a Cricket World Cup, which is twice held in this stadium, or an Ashes Test, a biennial cricket test match series between Australia and England.
This world-renowned stadium also holds rugby, football, and Australian-rules footballs, among others.
Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens is called the “Cricket’s Answers to the Colosseum.” It is the home of the cricket passionates of India. Located specifically in Kolkata, this historic stadium has a maximum capacity of 68,000 spectators.
Avid cricket fans would say, “The cricketing education of a cricketer wouldn’t be complete without playing in front of the loaded Eden Gardens.” This is due to the passionate cheers of the crowd during a game.
Whether it’s MS Dhoni’s team or Kolkata Knight Riders, the pack, the outbursts of firecrackers, and even the guarding riot police around the entire ground are all an experience you wouldn’t dare to forget.
From its institution in 1864 to this day, this Indian fortress showcases one of the most awe-inspiring atmospheres in the sporting world.
Galle International Stadium
Galle International Stadium was initially known as “The Esplanade.” This stadium has a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean on both sides near the magnificent ramparts of the 16th-century Dutch Fort.
Combining the scenic view of the nearby beach, the vibe of the fervent fans, and the exciting game happening, surely it’s a cricket game to remember. Unfortunately, in 2004, the upcoming events were placed in question after the devastating Asian Tsunami.
But with the passionate hearts of cricket legends Ian Botham and Shane Warne, the iconic ground was restored to its former glory. In 2007, after reopening, Galle hosted a One Day International (ODI) series or test match between England and Sri Lanka that ended in a draw.
Narendra Modi Stadium
Narendra Modi Stadium is the world’s largest cricket ground and the world’s largest sporting stadium overall. Formerly, this colossal venue was known as the Sardar Patel Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, India.
It was built initially in 1982 and was remodeled for expansion in 2020. From a 50,000 seating capacity, it increased to 132,000, surpassing the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, which has a seating capacity of around 100,000.
In 2021, the stadium finally reopened to host their first Twenty20 International match, played by England and India. Moreover, as one of the rarest stadiums, it has an indoor cricket academy with a 40-room dormitory.
Final Thoughts
Each stadium brings a unique charm of iconic architecture, history, and passion. Plus, these stadiums offer an immersive and mesmerizing cricketing match experience. Every cricket fan’s bucket list would be incomplete without a pilgrimage to these must-visit stadiums— where the highs and lows of cricket history happened.
