MLC unveils California’s iconic Coliseum stadium as new venue

MLC Unveils California's Iconic Coliseum Stadium as New Venue

Major League Cricket (MLC) has announced plans to kick off their 3rd season from the Coliseum stadium in Oakland, California from June 12. The 56,000 seater stadium will host nine games between June 12 and June 19 before the 34 game MLC caravan moves to Dallas' Grand Prairie Stadium and later to the Broward County Stadium near Miami.

The Coliseum will become the second venue of its kind that MLC has secured as a home ground for one of its franchises. Unlike Grand Prairie Stadium, the Coliseum does not require a revamp to accommodate cricket due to its broader field dimensions. MLC has confirmed adherence to ICC guidelines for boundary requirements.

Bringing cricket to a major American stadium like the Coliseum could serve as a significant boost for the sport in the U.S., particularly in California. However, the current agreement is only for one year, and a decision on extending the arrangement will depend on the season's performance.

"We have an obligation to find a home here in the Bay Area, and for the moment, that is the Coliseum. We'll continue to explore options across the Bay Area until we find our home," said David White, CEO of the San Francisco Unicorns.

The MLC will transport two practice wickets to the West Coast in California, with an expected cost of over half a million USD. The overall costs of bringing cricket to the Coliseum are expected to be around USD 3 million.

White views the additional cost as an investment to engage with more cricket fans in the Bay area. The Unicorns plan to employ a 'big brand' as their community partner to facilitate events focusing on community engagement.