Antigua and Barbuda: Spectator Sports

Cricket and sailing are the two sports Antiguans are passionate about. Foremost is cricket which is played on the beaches, parks and any patch of ground that can contain the excitement of local boys with dreams of one day following in the footsteps of their national idols, Sir Vivian Richards, Andy Roberts and Curtly Ambrose. The new Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will in future host ICC International tournaments and test matches. Sailing is the other passion with events organised throughout the year for dinghy sailors, young and not so young, club regattas for yachts, culminating in the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and the Annual Antigua Sailing Week Regatta, both in April. Cricket and sailing events are hugely supported by Antiguans and visitors who enjoy the party atmosphere.

Equestrian events held at Spring Hill Riding Stables are well attended, also the Antigua Golf Open held at the Cedar Valley Golf Club. Football is rather understated in Antigua, the season starts end of August and regular club and inter island matches are played at the Antigua Recreation Ground. If you are more of a participant, there are a number of sports which are open to visitors, yoga at English Harbour and Spring Hill, running, jogging or walking with the Hash House Harriers every other Saturday afternoon, attend the National Fitness Centre at St. John’s campsite which offers professional fitness instruction, step and aerobic work outs, martial arts at the Antigua and Barbuda Martial Arts Federation at St. John’s, guided bike tours around Barbuda organised by Barbuda Bike Tours. Tennis week in May held at Curtain Bluff Hotel offers professional clinics and tournament events, a very popular event in Antigua’s calendar.