By Ed Carruthers
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The ICC T20 Cricket World Cup is set to get underway on June 2 with the United States and the West Indies set to share the hosting rights for the tournament across nine different venues.
But it appears one ground, the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, which is being purposefully built for the tournament, is still under construction.
With just 40 days until the start of the tournament, the stadium also has a barren-looking pitch with no grass.
Sri Lanka and South Africa are set to play their first match of the World Cup at the stadium on June 3, with eight other matches, including India‘s blockbuster game against Pakistan, set to take place at the venue.
Photographs taken on Tuesday show construction workers are still carrying out building works on the stands around the 34,000-seater venue, which is located 30 miles east of Manhattan in Eisenhower Park, Nassau County.
The Nassau County International Stadium is still under construction, ahead of the T20 Cricket World Cup
Construction staff were seen working on the 34,000-capacity temporary stadium in New York
Designers have repurposed temporary stands used at the F1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas
However, there appears to be no grass on the pitch as yet, with grounds staff having seemingly set out a rectangle in the middle of the oval where the wicket will be established.
Construction works start: February 5
Turfing commences: April 29
Construction completion: May 6
Test event: May 27
First match: Sri Lanka vs South Africa – June 3
The ICC say that turfing of the outfield area is set to commence on approximately April 29.
Construction began in January 2024, and according to the ICC, the Stadium is set to be completed on May 6, with a test event set to follow two weeks later.
Workers in hard hats and high-vis uniforms were seen hoisting scaffolding poles around the temporary built arena, which will also feature VIP and hospitality suites and a party deck.
The ICC have called this a ‘state of the art’ venue and add that it will be the first modular cricket stadium in the world.
They add that they have repurposed the temporary grandstands used at the Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas earlier this year.
Concept images show that the scaffolding, which is currently visible on the stands around the stadium, will be covered by ICC T20 Cricket World Cup branded facades.
The concept art also shows where fan parks will be situated around the stadium.
Once finished, the stadium will also feature VIP and hospitality suites and a party deck
The stadium will host eight matches, including India’s huge clash against Pakistan on June 9
The ICC says that turf will be laid on the outfield of the pitch on April 29, with the stadium set to be completed on May 6
The arena has been designed by the same architects who built the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The Nassau County stadium has been designed by architecture firm Populous, the firm that helped design and build the Yankee Stadium in New York, the Narendra Modi Stadium in India and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
In a statement released in March, ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said: ‘We are excited to be unveiling the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
He added: ‘We are partnering with world-class suppliers to deliver the modular stadium to ensure that players and fans can enjoy an unforgettable experience across the eight matches in New York in June this year.’
England will begin their defence of their T20 World Cup title against Scotland in Barbados
England will begin the defence of their T20 World Cup title against Scotland at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 4.
Jos Buttler’s side then face a tough test against 2021 champions Australia on June 8, before taking on Oman and Namibia.
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group
