T20 World Cup: New York’s stadium cost, pitch, completion date, ticket prices

The stadium, boasting 34,000 seats, is gearing up to host eight matches during the tournament, including the highly-anticipated face-off between rivals India and Pakistan on June 9th

PHOTO: FILE

With just a month remaining until the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off, construction is bustling at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

This state-of-the-art arena, boasting 34,000 seats, is gearing up to host eight matches during the tournament, including the highly-anticipated face-off between rivals India and Pakistan on June 9th. Situated 30 miles east of Manhattan, the stadium is likely to cost approximately $30 million, reported Forbes.

Despite the tight timeline, with construction commencing less than three months ago, the venue is slated for completion in early May, with a test event scheduled for the 27th. The imposing East Stand, capable of accommodating 12,500 spectators, is already taking shape, as cranes diligently hoist modular components into position.

While the cost is significant for T20 Incorporated, the organization responsible for delivering the event in collaboration with USA Cricket, officials express confidence in recouping expenses through ticket sales and hospitality offerings.

The India-Pakistan match in New York has unsurprisingly become the most sought-after ticket of the tournament, with demand exceeding the available tickets in the public ballot by over 200 times. Standard tickets were priced at $175, while upgraded options included standard plus at $300 and premium at $400.

Reports suggest that the pitch at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium will resemble those in Adelaide, thanks to drop-in technology facilitated by expert curator Damian Hoff from Adelaide. These pitches, prepared in Florida's warm climate, will be transported to New York closer to the event, ensuring a playing surface akin to prestigious cricket venues in Australia.

CEO of T20 World Cup Brett Jones revealed the meticulous preparation behind the scenes, emphasizing the collaborative effort to replicate the quality of pitches found in renowned cricket grounds such as Adelaide and Melbourne.