Indianapolis World Sports Park

Sporting Complex Overview

The Indianapolis World Sports Park is a 46-acre sporting complex located on the east side of Indianapolis, Indiana. Formerly known as Post Road Community Park, it was renovated and expanded in 2012 to become a multi-use sports facility.

The park is situated between East Washington Street and Brookville Road, surrounded by mature trees.

Athletic Facilities

The park features multiple athletic fields that can be configured for various sports, including cricket, lacrosse, hurling, rugby, Australian rules football, Gaelic football, and soccer.

The main cricket field has been praised for its high quality, with a full sand carpet outfield that meets professional standards. However, only one of the fields is built to international standards for professional play, while a secondary field uses synthetic turf.

Development and Events

Completed in 2014 at a cost of $5.1 million, the park was initially designed to host major cricket events. However, its inaugural U.S. cricket men's national championship was canceled due to planning difficulties.

The facility has since hosted local Gaelic games tournaments and international cricket events, including the 2015 ICC Americas Twenty20 Division One tournament.

Facility Features and Limitations

Despite its high-quality playing surfaces, the park lacks some amenities typically found in larger sports complexes. There are no floodlights for night games, and the facility does not include a pavilion, clubhouse, changing rooms, media area, or permanent concession stands.

The park's location in a residential area has also led to some concerns, with nearby houses potentially within range of batsmen.

Community Context

The Indianapolis World Sports Park represents an effort to create a unique, multi-sport facility in the city, although its development has not been without controversy. Some local officials criticized the use of infrastructure funds for the project, especially given the city's budget constraints at the time of its construction.