Florida's $70 million stadium
The Tuscaloosa News in Florida reports on the new cricket stadium in Broward County.
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
The Tuscaloosa News in Florida reports on the new cricket stadium in Broward County.
The 5,000 blue stadium seats are in place. So are the special cameras embedded in the equipment to get close ups of the action. Then there is the exquisite field - emerald and manicured. But this $70 million park wasn't built for baseball or football - it's the first in the U.S. built primarily for cricket.
The sport, which enjoys worldwide popularity but has long struggled to gain an American following, has taken root in South Florida because of its large Caribbean population. Fans and officials say the stadium offers their community a chance to draw professional players, cultivate youth programs and attract new fans to the game.
"There's a tremendous awaking," said Chandradath Singh, a Broward County parks special projects coordinator. "And a major interest."
Martin Williamson is executive editor of ESPNcricinfo and managing editor of ESPN Digital Media in Europe, the Middle East and Africa