Exploring the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium: A Hub for International Cricket Events in St. Lucia
Facts
| Open | 2002 |
| Capacity | 15000 (increasing to 20000) |
| Ends | Pavilion End, Media Centre End |
| Location | Gros Islet, St Lucia, West Indies |
| Home To | West Indies |
| Flood lights | Yes |
| Known As | Beausejour Stadium |
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Matches Scheduled and Time At This Venue
| 12:30 AM | AUS vs SCO, 35th Match, Group B |
| 12:30 AM | SL vs NED, 38th Match, Group D |
| 12:30 AM | WI vs AFG, 40th Match, Group C |
| 12:30 AM | B1 vs C2, Super 8, Group 2 |
| 2:30 PM | B1 vs D1, Super 8, Group 2 |
| 2:30 PM | B2 vs A1, Super 8, Group 1 |
Cricket Record
- First One Day International, WI vs NZ on 8th June 2002
- First Test Match, WI vs SL on 20-24 June 2003
- Highest team score (in tests)- India (588-8) vs WI in 2006
- Highest team total (in ODIs)- NZ (363-5) vs Canada in 2007
- Highest team total (in T20s)- AUS (197-7) vs Pak in 2010
- Best Bowling (in ODIs)- Rashid Khan (7/18) vs WI in 2017
- Hat-tricks (in tests)- Keshav Maharaj vs WI in 2021
The premier ground for international cricket events, the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, is situated in the neighborhood of the colorful Rodney Bay in St. Lucia. Formerly called Beausejour Cricket Ground, the stadium was renamed to honor Daren Sammy, the celebrated cricket captain of the West Indian team that won the 2012 and 2016 ICC World Twenty20 tournaments. Boasting a 13,000 seating capacity that can be expanded to 20,000 for more massive matches, the stadium is fully equipped with modern facilities, including 18 hospitality suites and a top-of-the-line training facility for players. Since opening in 2002, the stadium has been the site of numerous cricket matches, ranging from thrilling domestic games to major international events, to the first day/night game in the Caribbean.
With its location in the driest region of Saint Lucia, the stadium’s hosting of cricket has proved ideal since many games are less likely to be disrupted by rain. The lush green outfield and installation of floodlights in 2006 have made the facility a favorite among players and fans who love the lighted turf. For fans and tourists, Daren Sammy Stadium offers a complete package outside of the main event; its top-notch facilities and breathtaking views make it a great place for sports. The stadium has something unique to offer, whether when watching cricket games or taking in the ambiance of an acclaimed sporting field; it is the epitome of cricket in St. Lucia.
Location and Facilities
Located near the vibrant Rodney Bay area of St. Lucia, the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is a short drive from Gros Islet, along the busied path of the Castries-Gros Islet Highway. Such proximity allows easy access to local points of interest, such as beaches, restaurants, and parks, making it a perfect site for a comprehensive experience for cricket fans. The stadium stretches over 22 acres and offers well-appointed features for spectators and athletes. With a typical seating capacity of 13,000 visitors, it can expand the number to 20,000 for a more prominent occasion; thus, each viewer has a better view of the game.
To ensure a one-of-a-kind experience, the stadium offers 18 premium suites with secluded spaces, comfort, and exquisite views. There are top-notch amenities for athletes, including a gym and their own lounge spaces for each team, as well as terraces and conference rooms for team discussions. The stadium features a combination of turf and artificial pitch to ensure each team has the perfect space for preparation. One of the main assets of the facility is floodlights, first introduced in 2006, turning it into the place that staged the first Caribbean international day/night cricket matches. That addition ensured a better experience for the fans by allowing entertainment at nighttime, turning the games into a source of thrill. These features make the Daren Sammy Stadium one of the top facilities to hold key cricket events in the region.
Daren Sammy, modern-day Windies wonder
Daren Sammy is one of the most influential figures in West Indian cricket. During his time as captain, he inspired his playing squad to write their own legend. Born in St. Lucia, he was an inspiration when he became the first player to play test cricket for the West Indies. His cricketing career rose methodically through the ranks due to many personal and team achievements. Sammy progressed from a very promising junior talent to revolutionizing the team’s leadership.
His captaincy was highlighted by strong performances at the ICC World Twenty20 2012 and 2016. The two World T20 titles, which are still held by the West Indies, are Sammy’s legacy. His approach suited everybody, and quiet calm, and impassiveness were among his trademarks. However, even discussions and confrontations about this leader can wait for someone else to do them. In the meantime, Sammy just won the championship. From a player standpoint, he made his name as an all-rounder due to his contributions in both departments. His consistency was his strength in both disciplines; he did not achieve his success in style, but his hard work paid off when he needed to perform and did it well.
This was very evident in the 2012 World T20 final. In his native country in 2016, in recognition of his services to cricket and raising the sport’s status in St. Lucia, the Beausejour Cricket Ground was reborn as Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium. Daren Sammy’s performance as a player and captain has left a lasting impact, which is why his career has been marked by incredible success for aspiring players from the Caribbean and similar regions. His career was a model of what to expect and achieve due to leadership and determination because the assertion proves that perseverance and effort have borne fruit.
