Cricket T20 World Cup: What to know about Long Island matches
The temporary Nassau County International Cricket Stadium erected at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow will host eight T20 World Cup matches in June. It is one of 10 tournament venues across the United States and the Caribbean. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
On a stretch of land situated behind an aquatic center, two ice rinks, a mini golf course, ballfields and a small playground, Long Islanders have watched a massive stadium materialize before their eyes over the past several months as Nassau County prepares to host part of the Cricket T20 World Cup.
Beginning this weekend, the temporary venue will host some of the top cricket players in the world as the action gets underway at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Here’s what you need to know, whether you’re planning to attend, looking to score some last-minute tickets, watch on TV or just avoid related road closures.
Who’s playing, where and when?
Who’s playing, where and when?
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow is one of 10 tournament venues across the United States and the Caribbean. The stadium will host eight matches from June 3-12. Teams include India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Ireland, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States. All matches, which last about 3 hours, 20 minutes, start at 10:30 a.m.
Can I still get tickets?
Can I still get tickets?
By last week, tickets were still available for all the Nassau matches on the T20 World Cup website, but many remaining seats fell into the premium category, costing $300 to $10,000. Standard seats were still available for Canada-Ireland and Netherlands-South Africa for $60 and $80, respectively.
How do I get there?
How do I get there?
Transit: On match days, the NICE bus, or Nassau Inter-County Express, will run shuttles from the Westbury Long Island Rail Road station starting at 8:30 a.m. Return service will start at 1 p.m. and run two hours after the match. Additionally, several NICE stops are within walkable distance of the stadium. They are Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue on the N70 and N71 lines; Old Country Road and Merrick Avenue/Post Avenue on the N24; and Privado Road and Merrick Avenue on the N35. Round-trip bus fare is $5.80, payable by credit card, MetroCard, the NICE GoMobile app or by coins. NICE does not accept paper money.
Driving: Traffic will be heavy on match days, so organizers recommend fans arrive well in advance. Parking will be limited, with spots available for purchase at Nassau Coliseum, Nassau Community College East Lot and Nassau Community College West Lot. Buy parking at tickets.t20worldcup.com. Cost ranges from $40 to $250, though some hospitality packages come with free parking. Lots open 8 a.m. Walk time from the lots to the stadium is 15-35 minutes, or take a free shuttle from Charles Lindbergh Boulevard near the Coliseum parking lot. There is no on-street parking.
Rideshare: Pickup and drop-off is at the Coliseum. No pickup or drop-off on Merrick Avenue or on Park Boulevard inside Eisenhower Park.
Walking/biking: Pedestrians enter Eisenhower Park on the east side of Merrick Avenue near the intersection of Charles Lindbergh Boulevard. There is no sidewalk on the west side of Merrick Avenue. Biking is discouraged. There is no bike lockup at the stadium.
What roads will close?
What roads will close?
On match days, Merrick Avenue will close in both directions from Charles Lindbergh Boulevard to Hempstead Turnpike from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will also close between Stewart Avenue and Charles Lindbergh Boulevard except for southbound local traffic. The eastbound lane of Charles Lindbergh Boulevard will close from Earle Ovington Boulevard to Merrick Avenue from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. The westbound lane of Charles Lindbergh Boulevard will remain open.
What can I bring to the grounds?
What can I bring to the grounds?
Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and are smaller than 12x6x12 inches; 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bags; bags smaller than 4½x6½ inches; medically necessary items, subject to inspection. The prohibited list is long but includes backpacks, seat cushions, food, beverages and other items.
What if I just want to watch on television?
What if I just want to watch on television?
Willow TV will air tournament matches. A yearly subscription costs $65. For a more communal experience, there will be big-screen viewing at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford on June 9 and at One World Trade Center in Manhattan on June 1-2, 5-6, 8-12 and 29.