Arnos Vale Ground, St. Vincent: Complete Cricket Stadium Guide
Arnos Vale Ground is one of the most visually stunning cricket venues in the world. Nestled beside the Caribbean Sea on the southern tip of St. Vincent Island, this ground offers something almost no other international cricket venue can — the scent of salt air, the sound of ocean waves, and the sight of a turquoise horizon behind the sightscreen.
Locally known as The Playing Fields, this multipurpose ground sits within the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, just minutes from the island’s main airport. Whether you are a cricket statistician hunting records, a fantasy cricket player analyzing pitch behaviour, or a tourist planning to experience live Caribbean cricket, this complete guide covers everything you need to know — with depth and detail competitors simply do not provide.
Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent, is an 18,000-capacity international cricket venue owned by the Windward Islands Cricket Board. First used for international cricket in 1981, it hosts Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, CPL 2026 and served as a venue for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The pitch favours spinners with an average first-innings T20 score of around 125–144.
Stadium Overview & Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arnos Vale Ground (The Playing Fields) |
| Location | Arnos Vale, near Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
| Country | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) |
| Owner | Windward Islands Cricket Board |
| Capacity | 18,000 |
| Established | 1981 (first international match) |
| Timezone | UTC −04:00 (Atlantic Standard Time) |
| Bowling Ends | Airport End |
| Boundary Length | 60–65 m (short) to 70–75 m (long) |
| Surface Type | Natural grass (spin-friendly) |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Type | Multipurpose (Cricket + Football) |
Milestone Match Dates
| Format | First Match | Opponents | Last Recorded Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 4 Feb 1981 | West Indies vs England | 20 March 2012 (WI vs Australia) |
| Test | 20–24 June 1997 | West Indies vs Sri Lanka | 5–9 Sept 2014 (WI vs Bangladesh) |
| T20I | 27 July 2013 | West Indies vs Pakistan | 19 Dec 2024 (WI vs Bangladesh) |
| Women’s ODI | 13 March 2003 | West Indies vs Sri Lanka | 3 Sept 2011 (WI vs Pakistan) |
Location & How to Get There
Arnos Vale is a suburb located approximately 3 km southeast of Kingstown, the capital city of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is part of the St. George parish — the island’s administrative heartland.
Getting There
By Air: The E.T. Joshua Airport (formerly the main international airport) is located directly adjacent to the ground — the “Airport End” name is literal. The newer Argyle International Airport (SVD), which opened in 2017, is located approximately 12 km northeast and handles international flights. A taxi from Argyle to Arnos Vale takes roughly 20–25 minutes.
By Road: From Kingstown city centre, Arnos Vale is a short 10-minute drive heading southeast via the main coastal road (Vigie Highway). Local minibuses also run this route for a nominal EC dollar fare.
By Boat: The Port of Kingstown receives cruise ship arrivals. Arnos Vale is reachable in under 15 minutes from the port by taxi.
Nearby Landmarks
- Argyle International Airport (12 km)
- Kingstown city centre (3 km)
- Fort Charlotte (4 km northwest)
- Botanical Gardens of St. Vincent (3.5 km)
- Young Island (5 km south)
Stadium Capacity & Infrastructure
The stadium can hold 18,000 spectators and is considered one of the Caribbean’s larger cricket venues. Following extensive renovations ahead of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, the ground received:
- An enlarged playing area
- A new Eastern Stand (pavilion)
- A dedicated media centre
- Updated operations and administrative centres
- Improved hospitality facilities
The ground has two principal batting ends: the Airport End (named for the adjacent airstrip) and the Bequia End (named for the nearby island of Bequia in the Grenadines). Both ends offer distinct bowling conditions — seam bowlers from the Airport End benefit from the breeze off the sea, while spinners often operate from the Bequia End.
CPL 2026 at Arnos Vale Ground – Historic First Time
CPL 2026 marks a historic milestone for Arnos Vale, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines will host Caribbean Premier League matches for the first time. Arnos Vale Stadium has been selected to stage the opening fixtures of the tournament, bringing top-level franchise cricket to the country.
CPL 2026 Matches at Arnos Vale Ground
| Match | Date | Teams | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | 7 August 2026 (Fri) | Jamaica Kingsmen vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons | 4:30 AM IST |
| Match 2 | 8 August 2026 (Sat) | St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Trinbago Knight Riders | 4:30 AM IST |
| Match 3 | 9 August 2026 (Sun) | Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs Saint Lucia Kings | 4:30 AM IST |
Why Arnos Vale for CPL 2026?
CPL CEO Pete Russell described Arnos Vale as “a fantastic venue with a proud cricket history” and expressed confidence that local fans will create an exciting atmosphere throughout the matches.
Arnos Vale has previously hosted 36 men’s international matches, including five games during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Those matches highlighted the venue’s spin-friendly conditions, with spinners enjoying notable success throughout the tournament.
Fantasy Cricket Tips – CPL 2026 at Arnos Vale
- Prioritise spinners at Arnos Vale. While medium-pace all-rounders can benefit from movement and swing, specialist spinners have historically enjoyed the most success at this venue.
- Jamaica Kingsmen are a new franchise and have no previous record at Arnos Vale, making them a slightly riskier option.
- Trinbago Knight Riders are an experienced side with a strong understanding of Caribbean conditions, making them a solid pick.
- The opening match on 7 August will be the first-ever CPL game played at Arnos Vale.
- With a fresh surface expected, the pitch could offer better batting conditions than usual before slowing down later in the tournament.
Pitch Report – Detailed Analysis
Understanding the Arnos Vale pitch is essential for fans, analysts, and fantasy cricket players. Here is a more granular breakdown than you will find anywhere else:
Surface Characteristics
The Arnos Vale pitch is a balanced, low-paced surface that transitions from moderate pace early in a match to a drier, more spin-friendly track as the game progresses. Key traits include:
- Pace: Moderate. Fast bowlers must rely on discipline and variation rather than raw speed.
- Spin: Significant assistance, especially for off-spin and left-arm orthodox bowlers. The clay-heavy sub-soil holds moisture early and dries out as the day progresses, creating variable bounce by the afternoon.
- Bounce: Low to medium. Batters who play off the front foot tend to score more easily than those who rely on back-foot play.
- Swing: Some early swing for seam bowlers — particularly from the Airport End — especially under overcast conditions.
Format-by-Format Pitch Behaviour
| Format | 1st Innings Avg Score | 2nd Innings Avg Score | Batting 1st Wins | Batting 2nd Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 (World Cup 2024) | ~125 | ~116 | 7 of 12 | 5 of 12 |
| T20I (all time) | ~144 | ~130 | 50% | 50% |
| ODI | ~220 | ~195 | 11 of 23 | 11 of 23 |
| Test | Draws common | — | Balanced | Balanced |
Pitch Behaviour by Session (T20 Context)
| Session | Likely Condition | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (Overs 1–6) | Firm, some swing | Pace bowlers |
| Middle Overs (7–15) | Drying, turn developing | Spinners |
| Death Overs (16–20) | Dry, slow | Slow bowlers, smart batters |
Boundary Dimensions
- Shortest boundary: 60–65 metres
- Longest boundary: 70–75 metres
- These dimensions are relatively compact compared to larger Test venues, giving batters an advantage in T20 play.
Expert Pitch Verdict
The Arnos Vale pitch rewards teams that include at least two spinners. In T20 cricket, teams posting 130+ tend to defend successfully here. Toss-winners have historically preferred to bat first on a fresh surface, then use spin to defend the target as the pitch dries.
Weather Report & Climate Guide
St. Vincent sits in the Lesser Antilles of the Eastern Caribbean, giving it a tropical maritime climate. For cricket planning purposes:
Monthly Weather Summary
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Rainfall Risk | Humidity | Suitability for Cricket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25–28 | Low | 65% | Excellent |
| February | 25–28 | Low | 63% | Excellent |
| March | 26–29 | Low | 64% | Excellent |
| April | 27–30 | Moderate | 68% | Good |
| May | 27–30 | Moderate–High | 72% | Fair |
| June | 27–30 | High (rainy season begins) | 74% | Fair–Poor |
| July | 27–29 | High | 76% | Fair |
| August | 27–29 | High | 77% | Fair |
| September | 27–29 | Highest | 78% | Poor |
| October | 27–29 | High | 76% | Fair |
| November | 26–29 | Moderate | 73% | Good |
| December | 25–28 | Low–Moderate | 68% | Good |
Key Weather Notes for Match Days
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June–October and can interrupt play.
- The T20 World Cup 2024 matches in June experienced partly cloudy skies with temperatures hovering between 27–30°C and wind speeds around 23 km/h — ideal for cricket spectating.
- Wind at the Airport End can be brisk due to sea proximity; this often assists outswing from that end.
- Humidity rarely drops below 60%, meaning the ball can swing for longer periods than at drier continental venues.
T20 Records at Arnos Vale Ground
T20 World Cup 2024 – Matches Hosted
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 13 June 2024 | Bangladesh vs Netherlands | Bangladesh won |
| 15 June 2024 | South Africa vs Nepal | South Africa won |
| 17 June 2024 | Bangladesh vs Nepal | Bangladesh won |
| 23 June 2024 | Super 8: Group C1 vs B2 | — |
| 25 June 2024 | Super 8: Group C1 vs D2 | — |
T20I Records Summary
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| First T20I | 27 July 2013 – West Indies vs Pakistan |
| First T20I result | Pakistan won by 2 wickets |
| Second T20I | 28 July 2013 – Pakistan won by 11 runs |
| Highest T20 team score | 159/5 by Bangladesh |
| Lowest T20 team score | 85 all out by Nepal |
| Average 1st innings score (T20WC 2024) | 125 |
| Average 2nd innings score (T20WC 2024) | 116 |
| Total T20 matches played | 10 (as of 2024) |
| Batting first wins | 9 of 10 (T20 World Cup era) |
| Batting second wins | 1 of 10 |
| Total boundaries (8 T20WC matches) | 235 (164 fours + 71 sixes) |
| 100+ scores in T20 | 13 times in 8 matches |
| 150+ scores in T20 | 2 times in 8 matches |
Wicket-Taking Breakdown (T20WC 2024, Both Innings)
- Right-arm bowlers: 100 wickets (Fast: 4, Fast-medium: 35, Medium: 23, Off-spin: 38)
- Left-arm bowlers: 21 wickets (Fast-medium: 8, Medium: 1, Orthodox spin: 12)
- Conclusion: right-arm off-spinners and fast-medium bowlers dominate wicket-taking at this venue.
ODI Records at Arnos Vale Ground
Arnos Vale has hosted 23 ODI matches — making it an established ODI venue with a rich history.
ODI Records Summary
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| First ODI | 4 February 1981 – West Indies vs England |
| Result of first ODI | West Indies won by 2 runs (thriller!) |
| Total ODIs hosted | 23 |
| Batting first wins | 11 |
| Batting second wins | 11 |
| No results / Abandoned | 1 |
| Highest individual score (ODI) | BC Lara – 104* (West Indies vs New Zealand) |
| Lowest team total (ODI) | Zimbabwe – 104 all out vs West Indies |
| Last ODI | 20 March 2012 – West Indies vs Australia |
ODI Performance: West Indies at HomeThe
West Indies have been formidable at Arnos Vale in ODIs, winning 18 of 23 matches. Four losses and one tie reflect occasional upsets — but this has historically been among the West Indies’ strongest home fortresses in one-day cricket.
Test Match Records at Arnos Vale Ground
Test Records Summary
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Test | 20–24 June 1997 – West Indies vs Sri Lanka |
| Result of first Test | Draw |
| Total Tests hosted | 3 |
| West Indies Test record here | 1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw |
| Last Test | 5–9 September 2014 – West Indies vs Bangladesh |
Test Analysis
The three Test matches at Arnos Vale have produced varied results, reflecting a well-balanced pitch that offers something to all departments over five days. The low-lying nature of the surface means that reverse swing can become a factor on Day 4 and Day 5, though the Caribbean humidity often keeps the ball softer than in drier conditions. Arnos Vale has not hosted a Test since 2014, largely due to the shifting landscape of West Indies home series scheduling.
Highest & Lowest Team Scores
Highest Team Scores by Format
| Format | Score | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 | 159/5 | Bangladesh | — | T20 World Cup 2024 |
| ODI | Not publicly confirmed (WI high scores dominant) | West Indies | Multiple | Various |
| Test | Multi-day totals | West Indies | Sri Lanka/Bangladesh | 1997–2014 |
Lowest Team Scores by Format
| Format | Score | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 | 85 all out | Nepal | Bangladesh | T20 World Cup 2024 |
| ODI | 104 all out | Zimbabwe | West Indies | — |
Most Runs & Most Wickets
Most Runs – Combined (Test + ODI + T20I)
Brian Lara’s unbeaten ODI century (104*) against New Zealand remains the highest individual innings at the ground in ODIs. Lara was a dominant force across West Indies home venues throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and Arnos Vale was no exception.
For T20Is, Kraigg Brathwaite holds the record for the highest individual T20 score at the venue with an unbeaten 72*.
Bowling Records
The best bowling figures in ODIs at Arnos Vale reflect the spinner-friendly nature of the surface in the latter stages of matches. Fast bowlers have taken wickets in the powerplay, but sustained match-winning spells have most often come from spinners and medium-pacers.
Recent Matches
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Results at Arnos Vale
| Match | Teams | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 27 | Bangladesh vs Netherlands | Bangladesh | — |
| Match 29 | South Africa vs Nepal | South Africa | — |
| Match 33 | Bangladesh vs Nepal | Bangladesh | Nepal bowled out for 85 |
| Super 8 | Group stage knockouts | — | — |
T20I Series – West Indies vs Bangladesh
The most recent T20I at Arnos Vale was played on 19 December 2024 between West Indies and Bangladesh — the latest recorded international at this venue.
Upcoming Matches
As of June 2025, no confirmed international fixtures at Arnos Vale Ground have been publicly announced through the Windward Islands Cricket Board or Cricket West Indies for the 2025 season. This is consistent with Arnos Vale’s scheduling pattern — it typically hosts 2–5 international fixtures every 2–3 years.
Expert Tips for Visitors & Fantasy Players
For Match-Day Visitors
- Arrive early — the stadium fills quickly for high-profile matches, particularly T20 World Cup fixtures, and parking near the complex is limited.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat — the tropical sun is intense, and afternoon matches can be punishing for uncovered seating.
- Book accommodation in Kingstown, not Arnos Vale — the suburb has limited hotel options; Kingstown’s small hotel cluster is 3 km away and offers better connectivity.
- Local minibuses run frequently between Kingstown and Arnos Vale — far cheaper than taxis and a great cultural experience.
- Dress code: Caribbean cricket crowds are vibrant. Team jerseys are welcome; no offensive language on clothing per stadium rules.
For Fantasy Cricket Players
- Always pick at least 2 spinners from the batting side’s bowling unit — this surface rewards them from the middle overs onwards.
- Batting first advantage in T20S is significant — 9 of 10 T20 matches saw the batting-first team win at the ground.
- Opening batters score more than middle-order batters here in T20 — the surface is at its flattest in the powerplay.
- Right-arm off-spinners are the primary wicket-takers across formats — prioritise them as captain/vice-captain choices.
- Average match scores of 125 in T20 suggest avoiding explosive big-hitters in favour of consistent run-scorers who score at an SR of 130–145.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Visitors often make these errors:
- Booking flights through Argyle International Airport and expecting to walk to the ground (it’s 12 km away — always arrange a taxi or bus).
- Underestimating rain interruptions during the June–September period — always check the weather 48 hours before match day.
- Assuming this is a high-scoring T20 venue — scores above 160 are rare; don’t expect 200+ totals.
- Ignoring the spin bowling history of this ground — picking pace-heavy fantasy teams at Arnos Vale often backfires.
- Not carrying cash — many local vendors near the ground operate on a cash basis.
FAQs
Where is Arnos Vale Ground located?
Arnos Vale Ground is located in Arnos Vale, near Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in the Eastern Caribbean. It sits adjacent to the old E.T. Joshua Airport, approximately 3 km from Kingstown city centre.
What is the capacity of Arnos Vale Ground?
Arnos Vale Ground has a seating capacity of 18,000 spectators, making it one of the largest cricket venues in the Caribbean. The ground has two main stands plus a pavilion and media centre added during the 2006–2007 World Cup renovation.
What is the pitch report for Arnos Vale Ground?
The Arnos Vale pitch is a balanced, moderately-paced surface that assists spinners as the game progresses. The average T20 first-innings score is 125–144. Teams batting first win approximately 9 out of 10 T20 matches here. Right-arm off-spinners are the most effective bowlers at this venue.
Who owns and manages Arnos Vale Ground?
Arnos Vale Ground is owned and managed by the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB), which oversees domestic and international cricket for the Windward Islands — a sub-region that includes St. Vincent, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia.
What was the first international cricket match at Arnos Vale?
The first international match at Arnos Vale was an ODI on 4 February 1981 between West Indies and England. West Indies won by just 2 runs in a thrilling finish — setting the tone for many memorable contests at this ground.
What is the highest team score at Arnos Vale Ground in T20 cricket?
Bangladesh set the highest T20 team score at Arnos Vale with 159/5 during the 2024 T20 World Cup. The lowest T20 team score belongs to Nepal, who were bowled out for 85 in the same tournament.
What are the bowling ends at Arnos Vale Ground?
The two bowling ends are the Airport End (facing the adjacent airstrip) and the Bequia End (facing towards the island of Bequia). Sea breezes from the Airport End assist swing bowlers; the Bequia End is typically more favourable for spin from later sessions.
How many Test matches has Arnos Vale hosted?
Arnos Vale has hosted 3 Test matches. The first was between the West Indies and Sri Lanka in June 1997 (draw). The last Test was in September 2014 against Bangladesh. West Indies’ record at home in Tests here stands at 1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw.
Is Arnos Vale worth visiting as a tourist outside of cricket?
Absolutely. Arnos Vale sits close to Kingstown, Fort Charlotte, and the Botanical Gardens, and is a gateway to Grenadian island-hopping. Activities, including crystal kayaking, Dark View Falls hikes, and Pirates of the Caribbean filming locations, are all within easy reach.
Why Arnos Vale Ground Stadium Stands Out
Arnos Vale Ground is far more than just a cricket venue — it is the beating sporting heart of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. With a history spanning over four decades of international cricket, an 18,000-capacity ground that backs onto the Caribbean Sea, a spin-friendly pitch that has produced countless memorable moments, and a natural setting that rivals any cricket venue on Earth, Arnos Vale deserves to be on every cricket fan’s bucket list.
Whether you are coming to analyze the pitch for fantasy cricket, planning a Caribbean holiday around a live T20 international, or simply researching the venue’s remarkable record book, Arnos Vale rewards attention. The T20 World Cup 2024 introduced this ground to a new global audience — and that audience will be returning.
