Antigua Recreation Ground

St John's, Antigua

Established 1981 (Tests)
Unused since 2007
Capacity 9,000
Floodlights No
End names Pavilion End, Factory Road End
Home team Leeward Islands
Other sports Football, athletics
Current local time 23:56, Mon Jun 05, 2023 (UTC -0400)

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Records and statistics

First Test	West Indies v England - Mar 27-Apr 1, 1981	Scorecard
Last Test	West Indies v England - Feb 15-19, 2009	Scorecard
Test records \| Results \| High totals \| High scores \| Most runs \| Best bowling \| Most wickets \| Partnerships \| Statsguru
First ODI	West Indies v Australia - Feb 22, 1978	Scorecard
Last ODI	Bangladesh v Canada - Feb 28, 2007	Scorecard
ODI records \| Results \| High totals \| High scores \| Most runs \| Best bowling \| Most wickets \| Partnerships \| Statsguru
Records index

Profile

The Antigua Recreation Ground, known locally as the ARG, became cricket's 52nd Test venue in 1980-81 when it hosted England, a Test marked by a hundred from the island's most famous son, Viv Richards.

Situated in the heart of St John's, the island's capital, the Rec has always been more than a cricket ground, hosting football, athletics, carnivals and concerts. Despite the relatively small size of Antigua - population 70,000 - crowds at the Rec were knowledgable and enthusiastic. The centre of activity was the two-tier Double Decker stand where partying well after the close of play, and music and entertainiment during it - this was where the colourful Gravy paraded himself - with wickets and runs accompanied by music and trumpets. The remainder of the ground slowly evolved into a well-appointed stadium.

For many years Antigua had a unique ground staff, largely made up of inmates from the adjoining prison. For years the warden of the prison was Malcolm Richards, the father of Viv. The west side is dominated by St John's Catholic cathedral.

In the build-up to the 2007 World Cup, a decision was made to abandon the Rec and create a purpose-built ground some way from the capital. This was unpopular and, to many, epitomised the priority given to finances over common sense. Whereas the Rec was popular and atmospheric, the new venue was the opposite. The old ground continued to host other events but quickly fell into disrepair.

There were more than a few who delighted when in February 2009 the Sir Viv Richards Stadium proved unloved and unfit for purpose, leading to the Rec answering an SOS to stage a Test at less than 48 hours notice.
Martin Williamson