Left: Sir Vivian Richards - Contributed   Right: Ridley Jacobs - file

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC)

Spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky Saturday to herald the spanking new Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS) for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, as the People's Republic of China officially handed over 13,000-seater facility to the government of Antigua and Barbuda.

Moments before, Ambassador of the PRC to Antigua and Barbuda, Ren Xioaping, symbolically presented the key to US$21 million stadium to Antiguan Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer.

Sir Vivian Richards, the man whose name immortalises the facility on a green field site at North Sound, about four miles outside St. John's, along with Spencer and Ren, unveiled the plaque at the entrance of the sprawling complex which was impressively constructed within 16 months.

At the start of the ceremony, the Antiguan government honoured Sir Viv, Andy Roberts, Eldine Baptiste, Richie Richardson, Curtly Ambrose, Winston and Kenneth Benjamin, Ridley Jacobs, Dave and Sylvester Joseph and Adam Sanford for their exploits as West Indies Test and one-day international players, as well as Hamish Anthony and Kerry Jeremy, who both played ODIs.

Also recognised were international umpires Pat Whyte and Clancy Mack, coach Taddy Arrindell and comedians Gravy, Mayfield, Pappy and DJ Chickie.

The SVRS, which follows the historic Antigua Recreation Ground - Test cricket's 52nd venue - boasts two grand stands with a permanent capacity of 10,000 fixed seats and an additional 3,000 on the grounds with a man-made beach (still under construction) to be called Beach 366.

Eight thousand temporary seats will be added for the CWC Super-8 matches between March 27 and April 9.

Accomplishments

The playing square features seven pitches, four will be utilised for the Super 8 matches.

The playing field area is 146.3 metres or 160 yards from boundary to boundary.

Apart from the two permanent stands, the PRC also built four lighting towers and two giant electronic scoreboards.

The north stand features facilities for the print and electronic media such as interview room and equipment storage, television and radio broadcasting and the venue operation centre.

The south stand will accommodate the players and their amenities such as changing rooms, physiotherapy, gym and dining room.

It will also house VIPs, 36 lower and upper suite boxes and a Cricket Hall of Fame, commemorating and celebrating the accomplishments of West Indies cricketers.

A feature of the architecture of the SVRS is a tunnel which will allow players to leave the dressing room to the practice facilities.

A road network system and expansive parking lot are also features of the facility which will be handed over to the ICC on February 17.

With about 90 per cent of the facility completed, the remaining work is expected to be completed in time for the hosting of second round (Super-8) CWC matches.