Oakland Coliseum Prepares to Host Cricket Action for MLC 2025
Major League Cricket (MLC) is set to make its mark on the US sports scene as its third season kicks off on Thursday night at the Oakland Coliseum, California. This historic event will be the first top-tier cricket match on the US West Coast, featuring a rematch between the San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom, the finalists from the previous year. The games will utilize specially transported drop-in pitches from New York and accommodate a reduced crowd of 12,000 for cricket matches, despite the venue’s overall capacity of over 60,000.
The Oakland Coliseum has a rich history, having hosted various sports teams, including the Oakland Athletics and the Oakland Raiders. Although currently without permanent tenants, the Coliseum will serve as the venue for the first nine matches of MLC 2025, including three home games for the Unicorns. The location is significant for fans and players alike, with the Unicorns expressing excitement about the opportunity to play in Oakland, which may become their permanent home in the future.
### Historic Venue for Cricket
The Oakland Coliseum, built in 1966, has been modified to host cricket matches under the guidance of Johnny Grave, the new CEO of Major League Cricket. Grave, who previously led Cricket West Indies, emphasized the importance of this location for the league and the sport’s growth in the United States. He remarked on the significance of bringing cricket to the West Coast, stating, “This move reinforces our commitment to growing the game in the United States and providing fans with an exceptional cricket experience.” The venue’s legacy as a sports and entertainment hub makes it an ideal setting for MLC.
Kevin Jenkins, the Interim Mayor of Oakland, echoed these sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for cricket’s addition to the city’s diverse sports landscape. He highlighted the importance of this move for the local community and the potential economic benefits it may bring to Oakland, estimating a $3 million direct economic impact from the MLC season.
### Unicorns’ Journey to Home Games
The San Francisco Unicorns, who were runners-up in the previous season, will play their first three home matches at the Coliseum after competing in neutral venues for the last two years. The excitement surrounding their transition to Oakland is palpable, with co-owner Venky Harinarayan stating, “We’re going to be playing in Oakland this year and we’re excited about playing in Oakland.” The possibility of establishing a permanent base in the city is still under consideration, with discussions ongoing about the future of the team.
The tournament will not only focus on the Oakland leg but will also extend to other locations. Following the matches in Oakland, the league will move to Grand Prairie, Texas, from June 20 to 29, and conclude at Broward County Stadium in Florida from July 1 to 6. This expansive schedule features a total of 34 matches, marking MLC 2025 as the largest professional cricket tournament ever held in the United States.
### MLC 2025 Tournament Schedule
The MLC 2025 season will showcase cricket across three major venues. The Oakland Coliseum will host the first leg from June 12 to June 18, where fans can expect thrilling matches featuring top-level cricket talent. After the Oakland leg, the action shifts to Texas for the second leg from June 20 to 29. Finally, the tournament will wrap up with matches in Florida from July 1 to 6, including knockout rounds scheduled for July 8 to 13 in Texas.
This season promises to be an exciting chapter in the development of cricket in the United States, with MLC aiming to capture the attention of sports fans across the nation. The league’s investment in venues like the Oakland Coliseum signifies a commitment to elevating the sport’s profile and engaging a broader audience. As the season unfolds, cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how the teams perform and how this venture will shape the future of cricket in America.
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