Kensington Oval, Bridgetown : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Kensington Oval, located in Bridgetown, is a world-renowned cricket stadium that is renowned for being the home of West Indies cricket. It is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in the world and it is also one of the most iconic venues to play the game. Its remarkable architecture, lush grounds, and exceptional facilities have made it the destination of choice for some of the biggest cricket matches in the world. As well as being the home of some of the greatest cricket matches, Kensington Oval also has many interesting facts and stories to share about itself. This blog post will provide an overview of the interesting facts and information about Kensington Oval, as well as the best travel guide information to make your visit to the stadium enjoyable and memorable.

Interesting Facts About Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

1. Kensington Oval was opened in 1882 with the first International Test Match taking place at the ground in 1930 between West Indies and England.

2. It was originally known as the Pickwick Cricket Club Ground before being re-branded in 1895.

3. The ground underwent a major redevelopment in 2006 at the cost of US $75 million, becoming the ‘state of the art’ stadium it now is.

4. The ground has hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup Final, the first edition of the Caribbean Premier League and the Women’s World Cup in 2018.

5. The ground experienced a rare occurrence in 2009 when it was water-logged from a nearby broken water main, to the extent that the pitch had to be re-laid.

6. Aside from cricket, Kensington Oval also serves as the home of Barbadian Rugby and Football and has also hosted a number of concerts, including Barbados’ World Cup celebrations, as well as those from Beyonce, Rihanna, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran.

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History & Information About Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Kensington Oval is a prestigious sports stadium located in the Barbadian capital of Bridgetown. The stadium is home to Barbados’s Premier Cricket team and is known for hosting international cricket matches.

Kensington Oval was first built in 1871 and held its first cricket match in 1895. It soon became the main venue for international cricket in the Caribbean, hosting tours by England, the West Indies, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand throughout the 20th century.

The stadium was significantly renovated in 2006, with a new roof, floodlights, seating, and state-of-the-art technology added. The stadium has a capacity of 28,000 people and is now one of the premier cricket venues in the world. In 2007, in recognition of its status as a leading cricketing venue, the stadium was awarded Full-member Test Status by the International Cricket Council, allowing it to host Test Matches.

Kensington Oval is also used for a myriad of other sporting and entertainment events, including concerts, football matches, and international track meets. The venue is revered by both locals and tourists for its atmosphere and its 400-year-old mahogany tree, which is said to provide shade to the cricket players.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Kensington Oval is a popular cricket ground located in Bridgetown, Barbados. It was opened in 1882 and is one of the oldest cricket grounds still in use today. The ground has hosted some of the most important test matches and international tournaments, such as the 2007 Cricket World Cup and the 2010 ICC World Twenty20. It has also been used for One Day Internationals, Caribbean Premier League matches and the West Indies first-class competitions.

The venue is also a popular destination for tourists. It has gained a reputation for offering a vibrant combination of nostalgia, Caribbean hospitality and excellent cricket.

Getting There:

Kensington Oval is located in the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados. It is easy to reach by car, taxi, shuttle service, or public transportation.

Things To Do:

*Take a guided tour of the ground: Learn about the history of the ground on a tour, and see famous sights such as the three-tiered William Ewart Stand.

*Watch a cricket match: Catch a game or practice session during the Caribbean Premier League, the West Indies first-class competitions, or other international cricket tournaments.

*Explore the museum: The Kensington Oval Museum tells the fascinating history of the stadium. It has an array of memorabilia, including a bat signed by Brian Lara.

*Shop and dine: The Kensington Oval has several restaurants, shops, and souvenir stands. Enjoy some local fare or grab a bite of international cuisine. The shops offer cricket memorabilia and Caribbean souvenirs.

*Relax in the stands: Enjoy the views from the stands, with beautifully kept gardens and lush greenery surrounding the stadium.

Kensington Oval is a must-visit destination for any cricket fan, or anyone looking for a unique travel experience. Bridgetown has a lot to offer, and this popular cricket ground is just one of the many exciting things to do.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Q: Who owns Kensington Oval?

A: The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) owns Kensington Oval.

Q: When was Kensington Oval constructed?

A: Kensington Oval was constructed in 1871 and was officially opened in 1882.

Q: What sports are played at Kensington Oval?

A: Kensington Oval is mainly used for cricket, but it is also used for football, lawn tennis, and other sporting activities.

Q: How big is Kensington Oval?

A: Kensington Oval has a capacity of 28,000 people. The playing field measures around 132 m by 120 m and the boundary is 60 m from the centre.

Q: Is there a restaurant at Kensington Oval?

A: Yes, there is a restaurant, the ‘Country Kitchen’, on the first floor of the Pavilion Building.

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