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NASSAU COUNTY, Long Island (WABC) — The first official matches of the T20 Cricket World Cup got underway on Long Island on Monday and visitors had to maneuver through road closures and increased security before they could see the action.
Officials say several streets around Eisenhower Park in East Meadow closed around 6:30 a.m. and should reopen after 6 p.m. Hempstead Turnpike may be a good alternative to get around the area.
There are 55 matches in the tournament but only eight of them will actually be played in New York — there are several other cities participating all over North America and the Caribbean.
The big event got started Monday morning with South Africa beating Sri Lanka in Nassau County's brand new international stadium.
Cricket is extremely popular in New York thanks to its south Asian and Caribbean communities. There had been concern because of its popularity how much traffic it will bring to Nassau County and Eisenhower Park.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman told Eyewitness News they worked out some kinks Saturday with a test match.
He thanked the Nassau County police, OEM, fire and parks departments as well federal agencies or their work making Monday morning's arrival go smoothly, and said now it's time for fans to enjoy.
"The fans are really, really excited, they're very exuberant, they let you know which team they're rooting for," Blakeman said. "It's all going to culminate in the two premier matches, India versus Pakistan which is like the Super Bowl on steroids. It's going to be crazy and fun. And then of course India-USA is going to be a big match as well, but they are all fun and if you can't get tickets to the premier matches, come out here for the day."
Blakeman says Sunday will be a test of the traffic control with 34,000 fans expected to come for the big India-Pakistan game.
County officials say all the money fans are spending to travel and fill up hotels and restaurants is well worth the cost to secure the matches.
They're encouraging everyone to park at the Nassau Coliseum and take shuttle buses, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen for the day games between roughly 10 a.m. and 3 p.m..
Meanwhile, police will be taking extra safety precautions due to terror threats made against the match between India and Pakistan.
There will be metal detectors at the park entrance and there's a strict no-bags policy and a no-fly zone.
The stadium is temporary, but fans say they like it so much they'd like to see it made permanent.
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