Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has officially opened a brand-new cricket stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Knight Riders Cricket Ground is now ready for action and will host matches during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The stadium is located at the Fairplex in Pomona, about 30 miles east of Los Angeles. It serves as the permanent home ground for the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) franchise in Major League Cricket (MLC).
Shah Rukh Khan shared his excitement on social media, calling the opening a dream come true. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram:
“What started as a dream… turns into reality today. Welcoming you all to the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA. A place built not just for sports but also entertainment and for families… and memories that last forever.”
The actor thanked ICC Chairman Jay Shah, referring to him as “Jaybhai,” and ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta for their support throughout the project.
Also Read:
Stadium Built in Just 100 Days at $21 Million Cost
The Knight Riders Cricket Ground was constructed in only 100 days. Reports indicate the project cost around $21 million, which is approximately ₹200 crore.
The facility meets international cricket standards with top-class features:
- Eight natural turf wickets on the main square
- Six floodlight towers standing 120 feet tall for night matches
- ICC-standard playing dimensions for international matches
- Over 32,000 metric tonnes of earth moved during construction
The stadium occupies land that was once home to a horse-racing track dating back to 1922. The venue is built on a 99-year lease at the sprawling 500-acre Pomona Fairplex.
First Competitive Match Already Played
The stadium hosted its first competitive cricket match on July 1, 2026. The Los Angeles Knight Riders faced the Washington Freedom in a Major League Cricket fixture.
Washington Freedom won the match by six wickets. Around 2,000 spectators attended the opening fixture. Tournament officials expect weekend crowds to grow to around 5,000 people.
The stadium will host seven matches during the current Major League Cricket season. The venue is also set to host cricket competitions during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Knight Riders Group Expands Global Cricket Presence
Shah Rukh Khan first entered cricket in 2008 when he bought the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League. He co-owns the franchise with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta.
The Knight Riders Group has now grown into a global cricket network with teams in multiple countries:
- Kolkata Knight Riders (India – IPL)
- Trinbago Knight Riders (Caribbean Premier League)
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (UAE – ILT20)
- Los Angeles Knight Riders (USA – Major League Cricket)
The Knight Riders Group became the first global cricket brand to establish an international-standard cricket stadium on American soil.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah Praises the Milestone
ICC Chairman Jay Shah attended the opening and called the stadium a significant step for cricket’s global growth. He described it as “a key milestone” in the sport’s return to the Olympic Games.
“Growing cricket around the world is a collective effort, and initiatives such as this one help create new ecosystems for fans and players, which fuel this growth.”
Gauri Khan and Family Celebrate the Achievement
Shah Rukh Khan’s wife Gauri Khan shared her pride on Instagram. She posted a video of the stadium with the caption:
“Yaaay so proud!! What started as a dream for the Knight Riders is now a reality. Welcoming you all to the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA!!”
Daughter Suhana Khan also celebrated the opening with her mother.
Fans React to SRK’s New Stadium
Social media users celebrated Shah Rukh Khan’s achievement with excitement. Many fans pointed out an interesting connection to his past. In May 2012, Shah Rukh Khan was banned from Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium after an argument with security personnel and Mumbai Cricket Association officials.
Fans shared comments like:
- “Bro got banned from a stadium so he created his own Cricket Ground! Male EGO!”
- “Bro ban in wankhede now own the stadium in usa.”
- “SRK’s global aura is unmatched!”
Knight Riders Cricket Ground: A Hub for Sports and Entertainment
Shah Rukh Khan emphasized that the stadium is designed for more than just cricket. He described it as a space that celebrates community, togetherness, and entertainment.
“Through this long-term partnership between Fairplex and Knight Riders, we are creating much more than a cricket venue. We are building a space that celebrates community, togetherness, energy and entertainment.”
Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore called the stadium a defining moment for the franchise.
“The Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA is much more than a stadium; it is a statement of intent for the future of cricket. Becoming the first global cricket brand to establish an international cricket stadium is a proud milestone for the Knight Riders Group.”
Also Read:
Cricket’s Return to the Olympics in 2028
The stadium’s opening comes at an important time for cricket in the United States. Cricket will return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after more than a century. The Knight Riders Cricket Ground is expected to play a major role in hosting Olympic cricket matches.
The Los Angeles Knight Riders have been playing in Major League Cricket since its first season in 2023. The franchise finished in last place in 2023 and 2025, and fifth place in 2024. The new home stadium gives the team a permanent base to build for the future.
The venue sits against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, creating a scenic setting for cricket in Southern California.
Stay connected with VvipTimes for the latest updates on Bollywood, cricket, and global entertainment news. Bookmark our page for daily stories on your favorite stars and sports moments.
