AFTER four consecutive years in Trinidad, from 2017 to 2020, the playoffs and final of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) were shifted to Guyana for the 2022 edition.
Also making its way from TT for the enjoyment of Guyanese cricket lovers was the Red Stand, an all-inclusive section, which has been part of CPL games in Trinidad – at the Queen's Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy – for the past eight years.
The Red Stand, which is owned by Keith Nexar, Tony Sampath and Steve Mathura, features an array of food options, a well-stocked premium bar, waiters to serve guests and security.
The stand has been a hit in Guyana, with the night games involving Guyana Amazon Warriors in particular well attended. The stand can hold approximately 250 patrons.
Sampath told Business Day on Tuesday he felt proud to have the stand at the popular Providence Stadium in Guyana.
[caption id="attachment_977798" align="alignnone" width="768"] Patrons are served food at the VIP all-inclusive stand at Providence Stadium. Image courtesy The Red Stand[/caption]
"We started in Trinidad as doing something for friends and family, because we all have our own businesses.
"We've done it in Trinidad for eight years and when it (CPL) came to Guyana, we were asked to do it, and that's why we're here. Logistically it was very challenging, but we got it done."
He said some materials for the stand were imported from Trinidad and the remainder was sourced from the host nation.
Sampath said the invitation to bring the stand to Guyana came from the Guyanese government, led by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Guyana has signed an agreement with CPL to host the playoffs and finals from 2022-2024. But it is not just cricket on display: the government has organised a cricket carnival, including cultural shows, two mega-concerts – featuring Machel Montano, Beres Hammond, Skillibeng and Spice – a nightly bar-hopping experience, and other events.
Sampath said the Red Stand is part of this new experience.
"They wanted to offer a different dimension to the cricket public in Guyana, as opposed to just sitting in the stands. They wanted a full-service stand, so there's the VIP red stand and there's also another one, so they're introducing new things to Guyana."
[caption id="attachment_977799" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The bar at the VIP section of the all-inclusive section, The Red Stand. Image courtesy The Red Stand.[/caption]
He said the cricket carnival was a brilliant concept to maximise the hosting of the CPL final.
"It's great, it's something new. It's new to CPL and goes well with the CPL – the biggest party in sport.
"The President is very keen on having the cricket finals here. He will do whatever it takes to grow the carnival and cricket."
He said the response from the local public to the stand has been tremendous.
"It was exceptional. Everybody wants to get back out after covid. The response has been good. We supply food, drink and a convenient, comfortable location."
Nexar said President Ali visited th
