Cricket may be England’s national sport of the summer, but this year, folks on Long Island looking to spectate something other than polo can hit up a cricket match instead. Forgo getting your feet wet learning all the rules and regulations and dive right in, because the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers are taking place at Eisenhower Park this June. This marks the first time ever that any World Cup matches have been held in the United States! Between June 3 and June 12, fans and newcomers to the sport alike can grab tickets (snag them ASAP) to the eight exciting games that will be taking place right in our backyard. Best of all, ticket prices start at just $60 for some of the upcoming matches. Although, some ticket prices have skyrocketed to upwards of $2,000 for the more highly anticipated games.
While cricket might not be as popular here in the States as it is overseas, the sport, most commonly compared to baseball, is actually one of the most popular sports in the world. It dates back to the 13th century and has evolved over the years, especially in modern times. The introduction of Twenty20 (T20) cricket in 2003, a shorter version of the game that typically lasts around three hours, helped to increase the popularity of the sport by upping its pace (more traditional cricket games can last days). In fact, last year’s World Cup, which took place in India, attracted record-breaking crowds as well as broadcast viewers, with over a million fans in attendance and billions of video views worldwide.
In order to host the momentous event, Eisenhower Park has constructed a temporary stadium, which seats 34,000 spectators. Just as is available at many other sporting events, there are different tiers of tickets, as well as hospitality packages that may gain you access to private clubs with buffets, drinks, and unique viewing opportunities. Gates to the stadium will open between two and two and a half hours prior to the start of the match. Attire for spectators at a cricket match is similar to that of many other sporting events you may be more familiar with —you can rock the jersey of your favorite team or dress up in cocktail attire, as long as you remember to wear comfortable footwear and plenty of sunscreen. You can dress as wild and over the top as you want, or play it cool and show off your impeccable fashion sense—the choice is yours.
Although these matches might not be quite like the ones the English are accustomed to in the UK (where picnics and tea time are par for the course), it still helps to consider some advice from someone who knows what they’re talking about. When speaking to Vanity Fair, Pippa Middleton gave some sage advice: “Never ask ‘What’s the score?’ unless you want dubious looks and then a long explanation. Never wolf whistle or whoop when the batsman hits a six. Just clap politely. Never snore too loudly, however boring the game may have become or however much you have had to drink during lunchtime.”
Ultimately, taking in a cricket match is a chance to glimpse a part of history and bask in the revelry of a fun day outside. After all, as Middleton says, “It’s safer not to pretend to know the rules and just take pleasure in the visual spectacle.”
If you’re in town for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, we’ve curated a great list of things to do, places to shop, activities to explore and restaurants to try, check out our guide here.
Planning to attend the Cricket World Cup? Share pics with @VisitNassauCountyLI and be entered to win some Nassau County faves!
