Thornton, Colorado— In a landmark moment for cricket in Colorado, West Indies cricket legend and Hall of Famer Shivnarine Chanderpaul inaugurated the first-ever cricket field with lights in Thornton at the Thornton Sports Complex.
The ceremony marked a major step forward for the sport in the region, particularly in its efforts to engage youth and expand its footprint in local schools.
The brand-new ground, equipped with lighting for evening and night matches, is the first of its kind in the city of Thornton. It aims to serve as a central hub for youth and school cricket in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district, which includes Thornton High School and surrounding middle schools.
A Historic Inauguration with Cricket Royalty
The field was officially opened on October 4, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by prominent figures, including:
- Shivnarine Chanderpaul, cricket Hall of Famer and former West Indies captain
- Mayor Jan Kulmann, City of Thornton
- Jatin Patel, multi-sport coach and cricket Hall of Famer
- Officials from the City of Thornton, Colorado Tennis Cricket League (CTCL), and local school districts
Chanderpaul’s presence electrified the event, inspiring young cricketers who were present from Thornton Middle School and Thornton High School. The cricket icon praised the local efforts in growing the sport and encouraged youth to pursue excellence both on and off the field.
Mayor Jan Kulmann emphasized the unifying nature of cricket, calling it “a sport that connects families, neighbors, and diverse cultures.” She highlighted the importance of the new facility as a platform for youth development, physical wellness, and community engagement.
“This isn’t just a field—it’s a place where dreams will be chased, friendships formed, and communities come together,” said Mayor Kulmann.
The field’s development was led by the Colorado Tennis Cricket League (CTCL), with critical support from local leaders and school officials: Manoj Gangwar and Anil Vijay (CTCL), Fareed Stanikzai and Charlene Fauls (Adams 12 School District), Vinod Murthy (DYCA), recognized for his long-standing dedication to youth cricket in the state.
Special recognition was given to Jatin Patel, who has been instrumental in the training and certification of youth cricket coaches in Colorado since his first visit in 2017, initiated by Raymond Mascarenhas of the Colorado Cricket League.
The newly inaugurated facility is more than just a field—it’s an investment in the future of cricket in Colorado. The lighting infrastructure opens the door to night games, after-school practices, and weekend leagues, making the sport more accessible to students and working families.
It will serve as a key venue for:
- Youth cricket training programs
- School team competitions
- Community leagues and cultural events.
