ALL roads lead to the brand-new Anna Regina Stadium tomorrow as former West Indies Captains Brian Lara and Shiv Chanderpaul are set to feature in a T20 encounter to mark the grand opening of the facility located in the heart of the Essequibo Coast Town of Anna Regina.
Despite the roof on one of stands being blown off by a powerful storm last week, reports are that the Stadium and the outfield are in prime condition and ready to go.
A night of cricketing nostalgia is in store for what is anticipated a capacity crowd. Reports from Region Two indicate that Hotels in and around Anna Regina are fully booked as Essequibo
celebrates its first Stadium in what promises to be a fantastic atmosphere.
Beyond the boundary, fans will be entertained by cultural performances, fireworks and a military display while they will have a last opportunity to see the pair of iconic left-handers
bat in Guyana.
Admission is free and gates open at 17:00 hrs while, in what is anticipated to be a completive game with several top former and present Guyana players, commences at 18:00 hrs under lights.
The ‘old’ Anna Regina Community Centre ground, which hosted its first Inter-County match in 2007 when Demerara faced Essequibo, has been transformed into the most modern
sporting facility in Guyana’s largest County and will be officially opened with a ceremony of pomp and splendour.
President Dr Irfaan Ali and former National first-class bowling all-rounder, Minister Steven Jacobs, are set to show their skills for Lara’s XI.
Former Everest left-arm spinner, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. will be a part of Chanderpaul’s XI. It is said when night falls stars come out to shine and fans will
come out to witness West Indies batting legends Lara and Chanderpaul roll back the years.
Lara has the most Test runs and centuries for West Indies while Chanderpaul is second to the Trini in both runs and tons.
The current players like Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Quentin Sampson, Kevlon Anderson, Jonathan Van Lange, Matthew Nandu, Kemol Savory, Richie Looknauth, Kevin
Sinclair and Thaddeus Lovell will balance the past with the
present.
Former players Chris Barnwell, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble, Norwayne Fredericks, Kevon Boodie, Ricardo Adams, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Leon Johnson, Delon Heyliger,
Jonathan Foo, Devendra Bishoo and Royston Crandon will want to prove there is still a little gas left in the tank.
The stadium’s Government funded construction is a part of G$10.9 billion sports Budget and construction commenced in late November 2022. This facility is viewed as an impactful
infrastructural investment in Guyana’s sporting landscape.
Friday’s game will be the first to be contested under lights and is an indication of the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes while strengthening community engagement through sport and recreation.
