Dubai super stadium to open in January

The Gulf News reports that the Dubai Sports City cricket stadium will open in January 2008 and the first international match could be as soon as March next year.

The 25,000-seater ground, which will be totally covered, features a roof that is able to withstand all weather patterns and even absorb dust storms and moisture and provide a cool atmosphere. The pitch will be suited to one-day cricket and soil and grass from different parts of the world are being experimented with.

A state-of-the-art lighting system known as the "ring of fire" will be introduced for the first time in a cricket stadium. Used widely in football and rugby, this removes the need for pylons, mounting the lights around the top of the stands.

As is the way with the modern game, the best facilities are reserved for corporate guests and the stadium features over 50 hospitality suites with a VIP lounge are being made. There will also be a VVIP box which can seat around 70 spectators. This box will have a separate entrance and a separate elevator.

The ICC Global Academy at the Dubai Sports City will have two oval grounds for local cricket teams to play matches. These grounds can also be used by county teams for pre-season matches.