Partnership between Erie County Parks, India Association of Buffalo brings international craze to Erie County

Opening ceremonies on Sunday, July 16 to be followed by inaugural cricket match at Ellicott Creek

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Cricket is now in Erie County thanks to a partnership between the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and the India Association of Buffalo (“IAB”), with the first game to be played Sunday, July 16 on the new cricket pitch at Ellicott Creek Park. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz will join Parks department personnel and members of the IAB for the opening ceremony at the field, scheduled for noon on Sunday, and then enjoy the first-ever cricket match at an Erie County park.

“Cricket is hugely popular throughout the world, with millions of fans internationally and thousands right here in WNY. Thanks to the partnership between our Parks Department and the IAB, this new cricket pitch was finished in a short time and is now ready to go,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “We are proud to be a part of this new experience, bringing the excitement of cricket to Erie County and showcasing our Parks at the same time.”

Cricket is a baseball-like game with key differences in equipment, field layout, and scoring. The high-energy matches feature two teams trying to outscore each other and can be played in different formats that may last only an hour or two, or up to several days. The game traces its roots to England and enjoys immense popularity around the world. The IAB will be responsible for maintenance of the cricket field at Ellicott Creek and will coordinate cricket leagues at the site. All design- and construction-related costs, as well as field modifications, were borne by the IAB with oversight from the Parks Department. The new field is built on the site of a little-used baseball diamond at Ellicott Creek Park.

“Cricket is a welcome addition to the many activities already taking place at our parks, and the IAB has been a great partner to work with as the project has moved forward. The new cricket pitch takes over an idle space at the park that will now see new life, energy and visitors,” said Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo.

Opening ceremonies for the new cricket pitch will be held Sunday, July 16 at noon at the cricket pitch in Ellicott Creek Park (located at the center of the Park, near the casino; a parking lot is nearby) and will be followed by the first cricket match. Officials will be on hand for interviews.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/

On the India Association of Buffalo, visit http://www.iabuffalo.org/