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Antigua Recreation Ground, St John's
The Antigua Recreation Ground became cricket's 52nd Test venue when it hosted England in 1980.
End names
Pavilion End, Factory Road End
Home team(s)
Leeward Islands
The Antigua Recreation Ground, locally known as the ARG, became cricket's 52nd Test venue when it hosted England in 1980-81. The Test was marked by a century from the island's most famous cricketer, Viv Richards.
The crowds of the relatively small sized Antigua are knowledgable and enthusiastic. The centre of activity is the two-tier Double Decker stand where partying well after the close of play, and music and entertainiment during it - this was where the colourful Gravy paraded himself - with wickets and runs accompanied by music and trumpets.
The remainder of the ground has slowly evolved into a well-appointed stadium. For many years Antigua had a unique ground staff, largely made up of inmates from the adjoining prison. For years the warden of the prison was Malcolm Richards, the father of Viv.
