THE SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS cricket team is hoping to make a magical experience at the Oakland Coliseum.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee spoke at a press conference Wednesday welcoming Major League Cricket to the Coliseum ahead of the first match of the 2025 season on Thursday night.
“Let me thank all the coaches, let me thank the teams, league organizers, everyone for choosing Oakland. I want to thank the league for investing $3 million into improving the fan and player experience at the Coliseum. We are deeply grateful,” Lee said.
The mayor was joined on stage by Major League Cricket CEO Johnny Grave, Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan and former Oakland City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan.
“We’re going coast to coast. It’s the first time cricket of this level has been played on the West Coast of America,” says Grave.
Salwan emphasized the rise in cricket’s popularity in Fremont over the past few decades and linked it to the diverse communities throughout the Bay Area.
“You can walk through any park in in the city of Fremont on a weekend and you will see that the fields are packed. We have folks, we have India and Pakistan, Afghanistan, they were from the UK, Australia, Jamaica, and of course, our Americans, and it’s really taken root,” he said.
Salwan said the investments made to bring cricket to the Oakland Coliseum and support the local San Francisco Unicorns team are proof the Bay Area is contributing to cricket’s popularity in the U.S.
“This is more than just a game, it’s a celebration of our diversity, a boost to our local economy, and a dream come true for so many local fans,” he said.
Unicorns captain Corey Anderson says it’s exciting to have the opportunity to play home games. He says the team looks forward to making their local fanbase, commonly referred to as the Sparkle Army, happy and hopes to bring in new fans.
“If you have never been to a cricket game or you don’t know anything about the game, it’s the perfect time to come out. The game and the people and the energy are going to be great. Come join the Sparkle Army,” Anderson said.
All six teams in the league will play at the Coliseum. This includes the Unicorns, Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom. Cricket matches will begin Thursday through Sunday. There will be games at 6 p.m. every day, while Saturday and Sunday have an additional 2 p.m. game.
The Coliseum says concessions stands within the stadium will be operating alongside local food trucks and vendors.
The six teams will then continue playing matches in Texas and Florida throughout the season.
More information about matches can be found at majorleaguecricket.com.
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