7 minute read
Nelecia Yeates on Coolidge Cricket Ground redevelopment
Cricket is more than just the national sport of Antigua & Barbuda; it’s a cultural corner stone that unites communities, stirs passion and fosters immense pride. And in this same vein, Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) is more than just a venue - it's the heart beat of Cricket West Indies. With ambitious redevelopment plans, including a new boutique hotel, business park, and High Performance Centre, CCG is set to become a symbol of regional pride and a catalyst for local economic growth. The Citizen met with CCG’s General Manager, Nelecia Yeates, to discover more about this game-changing project for the twin islands and region.
For readers unfamiliar with cricket, could you explain the significance of this sport for the Caribbean and, more specifically, Antigua & Barbuda?
In the West Indies, cricket is more than just a sport; it is a vital part of our cultural and sports entertainment fabric. For small West Indian nations like Antigua & Barbuda, cricket unites communities, stirs national pride, and serves as a major social activity. West Indies cricket has historically brought the region together and produced some of the greatest athletes/cricketers in the world. With an incredible Four Knighted Cricket Legends, the passion for cricket runs deep in Antigua & Barbuda. This emotion is shared by many West Indians regardless of where they call home.
The redevelopment of CCG is a flagship project. Can you give us an overview of the new features and facilities planned for the ground?
The Board of CCG is optimistic about the redevelopment project. At the core of our plans is to establish a state-of-the-art High Performance Centre with world-class indoor and outdoor training facilities. The project also includes the construction of a boutique hotel, television and media production facility and a business park. These developments will be done in phases, ensuring that each component of the project is completed to the highest standards with sustainable sources of finance. We aim to create a vibrant, multiuse sports and entertainment centre that contributes significantly to the local economy and wider West Indies community.
Our goal is to create a lasting legacy that not only enhances the cricket landscape but also enriches the lives of our residents and fosters a sense of pride and unity within our community.
What impact do you expect the new facilities to have on the future of West Indies cricket?
CCG is already a site for numerous packages of player and coachingspecific development activities. The complete build-out of the customdesigned High Performance Centre will be transformative for West Indies cricket. The input of modern sports science and related facilities and equipment will allow us to train and develop our players to the highest standards, facilitating the best possible player and team preparation for international competition. The enhanced facilities will also attract international teams for training camps and matches, raising the profile of West Indies cricket globally. Ultimately, this project will contribute to more formidable and successful West Indies teams.
Can you tell us about the plans to attract athletes from other sports and fields?
While cricket remains our primary focus, we are looking to diversify the use of our facilities to attract athletes from other sports. The new High Performance Centre will cater to various sports, providing first-rate training and rehabilitation facilities during their on and off seasons. The CCG Board’s intention is to host regional and international sports events and position CCG as a hub for sports excellence in the Caribbean.
With the introduction of the remote broadcasting hub, what improvements can we expect in the coverage of cricket and other sports in the region and worldwide?
The remote broadcasting hub will revolutionise the production of cricket and other sports in the region. It will allow for high-quality, real-time broadcasting of events, reaching a global audience. This will increase the visibility of West Indies cricket and enhance viewers' experience. Additionally, the hub will create opportunities for regional talent in media and broadcasting, further supporting the development of the industry in the Caribbean.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for CCG?
Our long-term goal for CCG is to establish it as the premier facility for cricket, sports, and entertainment, making it accessible and attractive to a global audience. We aim to create a venue that not only supports the development of West Indies cricket but also attracts international events and visitors. We want CCG to be a symbol of regional pride and a catalyst for economic growth, benefiting the local community and the wider Caribbean region for generations to come.
How will the enhanced facilities at CCG contribute to positioning Antigua as a premier destination for international sports events?
The enhanced facilities at CCG will position Antigua as a premier destination for international sports events by offering worldclass amenities that meet the highest standards. The new High Performance Centre, boutique hotel, broadcasting hub and entertainment centre will make it an attractive location for teams and events from around the world. By hosting international competitions and training camps, we will raise the profile of Antigua & Barbuda as a top-tier sports destination, bringing more visitors and recognition to our beautiful islands and region. The state-of-the-art entertainment centre, with its retractable stage, will allow local and regional promoters to stage international concerts, thus positioning Antigua & Barbuda on the world stage in the entertainment industry.
Can you tell us about the economic benefits of the CCG redevelopment and how the business park and mixed-use centre will impact the local community and economy?
The redevelopment of CCG is projected to have significant economic benefits for Antigua & Barbuda, with an anticipated spill-off on the region. The new facilities will have international appeal, boosting the tourism sector. The boutique hotel and business park will create jobs during construction and provide local and regional entrepreneurs with new business opportunities, offering retail, office space, and other amenities that support economic growth.
In the long term, the influx of visitors and international events will provide a steady revenue stream for the local economy. Creating jobs and new business opportunities will stimulate economic growth, while the development of infrastructure will improve residents’ quality of life. By positioning Antigua as a hub for sports and business, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic development that will benefit future generations, all while adding to the region’s rich cricket legacy.
Is there anything else you would like to mention?
I would like to highlight our commitment to sustainability and community engagement throughout the redevelopment of Coolidge Cricket Ground. We plan to incorporate environmentally friendly practices in our construction and operations, aiming to make CCG a model for sustainability in sports venues in the region and beyond. Additionally, the new facilities that will form part of the redevelopment are non-reliant on each other for their construction. Thus, it provides an opportunity for local, regional and international investors to become economic stakeholders and/or partners with CCG in the ownership of these facilities. In the last quarter of 2024, CCG will roll out its business plan highlighting areas for investment and the various return on investment benefits for participating in a programme that promises to change the socio-economic landscape of Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean. Furthermore, and in line with Cricket West Indies’ 2024-27 strategic plan, we plan to engage the community as much as possible to ensure that the benefits of this project are felt widely across the twin islands. Our goal is to create a lasting legacy that not only enhances the cricket landscape but also enriches the lives of our residents and fosters a sense of pride and unity within our community. I would like to close by thanking the CWI and CCG Boards, as well as my colleagues, for their continuous support.
