The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially revealed the venues for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States. The USA is set to host this prestigious tournament for the very first time, with three iconic cities – Dallas, Miami, and New York – chosen as the epicenters of this cricketing extravaganza.
Back in November 2021, the ICC Board awarded the hosting rights to the USA and the West Indies. After meticulous evaluation of several options, Grand Prairie in Dallas, Broward County in Florida, and Nassau County in New York emerged as the ultimate choices for the grand event.
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One of the highlights of this announcement is the introduction of modular stadium solutions, which will revolutionize the cricketing infrastructure in the USA. The construction of a state-of-the-art 34,000-seat modular stadium in Eisenhower Park, Nassau County, New York, is set to begin, pending the awarding of the required permit next month. This purpose-built sports and events park is destined to become a cricketing hub, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.
Grand Prairie and Broward County are not to be left behind in the upgrade process, as modular stadium solutions will be employed to expand seating, media facilities, and premium hospitality areas. These developments are subject to final agreement but are expected to enhance the overall experience for cricket enthusiasts.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his enthusiasm about the choice of venues, saying, “We’re delighted to announce the three USA venues that will host part of the biggest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ever staged, with 20 teams competing for the trophy. The USA is a strategically important market, and these venues give us an excellent opportunity to make a statement in the world’s biggest sport market.”
Allardice also acknowledged the growing awareness of cricket’s massive fan base and its unifying power in the USA, stating, “We explored a number of potential venue options in the country, and we were hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm the event generated amongst prospective hosts, reinforcing the growing awareness around cricket’s massive fan base and its power to unite diverse communities.”
The introduction of modular stadium technology is set to make a significant impact, not only in enhancing capacity but also in creating breathtaking venues. Allardice highlighted its importance, saying, “In the USA, it will give us the opportunity to increase the size of the venues in both Dallas and Florida and create what is going to be a stunning venue in New York.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman expressed his excitement at partnering with the ICC to host the Men’s T20 World Cup, saying, “Nassau County is excited to partner with the ICC to host the Men’s T20 World Cup, one of the most popular sporting events in the world. With more than one billion fans worldwide, this event will attract fans from all around the world to Eisenhower Park.”
He also emphasized Nassau County’s track record of hosting large-scale events, stating, “Whether it be PGA events, record-breaking concerts in our parks, or the annual Belmont Stakes, we are no stranger to hosting large-scale events on the world stage. I look forward to bringing our many diverse communities together to watch some of the best cricket in the world, right here in Nassau County.”
In addition to these three primary venues, several other potential venues have been identified for pre-event matches and training. Among them is George Mason University in Washington, home to the Major League Cricket (MLC) team Washington Freedom.