If you’re hearing the words sticky wicket around town lately, do not be alarmed — it just means Seattle is catching cricket fever. The hugely popular international sport with rules similar to baseball is building here in a big way. “Googly” + other fun terminology? Matches that can last for days? Sign us up.
Major League Cricket recently announced that it raised $120 million to launch in the US, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella + Soma Somasegar of the Seattle-based Madrona Venture Group leading the charge. That’s some serious dough, and it comes not long after King County greenlighted plans for a stadium in Redmond for the purposes of hosting pro events — possibly setting the stage for our own local major league team.
Field of dreams 🏏
So this could be a game-changer. The plan is to build a state-of-the-art facility on a 20-acre site in Redmond’s Marymoor Park — hosting Major League Cricket events + potentially the sport’s 2024 World Cup. Initial designs propose a pavilion, digital scoreboard, and a spectator lawn that can possibly accommodate up to 10,000 fans for large events.
While there appears to be significant community support, Major League Cricket is still working with local leaders on preparing a development plan + finalizing key commercial details. If all goes well, construction could start up in 2023.
Built-in fan base 🏏
DYK? Seattle folks already love the sport. Expats from India, Bangladesh, and other cricket-loving countries have helped it catch on here over the past few years on the recreational level. Adult leagues in the region number over 3,500 members — and a Minor League Cricket club called the Seattle Thunderbolts launched in 2021. They play at Tollgate Farm Park in North Bend and their pink polos are on point, y’all.
Kid’s game 🏏
The young’ns are totally into it, too. Northshore School District announced it will start its own middle school and high school cricket program on Wed., June 1, available for students at all levels (800 expressed interest). Plus, Tollgate Farm Park is also home to an academy serving 200 local youth cricketers in an instructional league. Next gen? Pitch perfect.
