Antigua Recreation Ground, football stadium

Antigua Recreation Ground is the national stadium of Antigua and Barbuda, in St. John's on the island of Antigua. It is a cricket and football ground whose batting pitch is known as a "featherbed": hard and dry, with little bounce or movement for bowlers. The stands host music during breaks in play.

The ground hosted its first One-Day International on 22 February 1978, when the West Indies played Australia, and its first Test from 28 March to 1 April 1981, also against England. Viv Richards scored a 56-ball Test century here against England in 1986. Brian Lara made 375 here in 1994 and 400 not out in 2004, both against England. After the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium opened, the ground was recalled for a third Test on 15 February 2009 when the previous match was abandoned after ten balls.

Like other Caribbean cricket grounds, the Recreation Ground hosts music during breaks in play, both live and recorded. For years an entertainer called Gravy worked the stands, usually in fancy dress. Brian Lara's 375 in 1994 and 400 not out in 2004, both against England, were scored here.

The ground lies in St. John's on Antigua, with the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium elsewhere on the island; the two are often confused. Play has been interrupted here before: the outfield was judged unfit in February 2009, forcing a scheduled Test to move. Check locally before travelling for a fixture.

In 1986 Viv Richards scored the fastest Test century, off 56 balls, against England here. Brian Lara twice broke the Test innings record at this ground: 375 in 1994 and 400 not out in 2004, both against England. In May 2003 the West Indies chased 418/7 against Australia here, the highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Test cricket.