Los Angeles Knight Riders host first game at new stadium ahead of Olympics

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 1:01 AM

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

Los Angeles Knight Riders host first game at new stadium ahead of Olympics
Summary

The Los Angeles Knight Riders played their inaugural match at the new Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona on July 2, 2026. The stadium, completed in under 70 days, held around 2,000 spectators for the game against the Washington Freedom. Cricket will return to the Olympics in 2028 after a long hiatus, attracting significant attention to the sport in the U.S. The facility is designed to eventually seat over 20,000, with plans for additional practice facilities and a cricket academy to promote grassroots interest.

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By the Numbers
  • Game played on July 2, 2026, at the Knight Riders Cricket Ground.
  • Stadium features eight pitches, exceeding typical facilities.
  • Ceremonial first ball bowled by Lakers' Metta Sandiford-Artest.
  • Washington Freedom's Saurabh Netravalkar took three wickets.
  • Stadium plans to increase seating from 5,000 to over 20,000.
Latest Updates
  • 1:01 AMYahoo SportsLos Angeles Knight Riders play first game in new stadium as Olympic cricket buzz grows
What they're saying
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The Los Angeles Knight Riders played their first home game Wednesday under the lights of their brand-new cricket field in Southern California, marking a milestone event as excitement builds for the 2028 Olympics. Cricket, the second most-watched sport in the world, is set to be included in the Olympic Games after a 126-year hiatus. With a global following of over 2.5 billion, the Olympics are expected to draw international attention to Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of downtown Los Angeles.

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