Warner Park

Warner Park was the first of the Caribbean’s seven new World Cup stadiums to open, staging its first ODI in May 2006 and its first Test a month later. The building was largely funded by the Taiwanese government (they provided $7.1m of the total $10m cost) and built entirely by locals, unlike many of the other stadia which leant heavily on the Chinese.
It is not the biggest ground, although its 8,000 capacity needs to be put into context as the island itself has a total population of 35,000. No stands were built on the east side of the ground, allowing the prevailing easterlies to have their cooling effect, although temporary seating for the World Cup will take the capacity to 10,000. Overspill accommodation for major matches will be on Nevis, a 35-minute ferry ride or six-minute flight away.
Martin Williamson