Spanish cricket ground project develops artificial outfield and solar-powered facilities

A cricket venue under construction on Spain's Costa Blanca is developing an artificial outfield as part of a project combining new playing-surface technology with solar power and water storage. BBC Sport reports that Australian entrepreneur Daniel Weston is overseeing Campo Maximo in Playa Flamenca, around 45 minutes by road from Alicante.

The ground is expected to stage its first cricket in 2028 and become fully operational in 2029. Its initial capacity will be 1,000 spectators, with room to increase attendance through temporary or semi-permanent stands. Weston is still settling the details of a nine-pitch square and favours a clay-based pitch, according to the report. A hotel is also planned near a golf course a short distance from the site.

The proposed outfield remains in testing. It uses short artificial fibres without loose granular infill, laid above an elastic pad and drainage layers. Specialists are developing the surface to reproduce the feel and playing behaviour of natural grass. Weston told the Stumped podcast that testing had included using bowling spikes to simulate the demands fast bowlers would place on it.

The design is intended to reduce maintenance and remove the need for fertiliser on the artificial playing surface. Weston also outlined plans for roughly 4,600 square metres of solar panels above the car park, with batteries storing electricity for facilities including floodlights. Rainwater collection and storage beneath the field form another part of the sustainability plans, which he linked to the importance of conserving water in Spain.

Weston, who has played Twenty20 international cricket for Germany and is known for his work with the European Cricket Network, wants the venue to become a centre for European cricket. He told Stumped he would like it to host a Test match eventually. He also raised the possibility of an Indian Premier League game in Spain, but that was an aspiration, not an announced fixture.

Hosting Test cricket would require more than completing construction. BBC Sport reported that Campo Maximo would need to satisfy the International Cricket Council's venue guidelines. The artificial surface is still being developed, and Weston's hopes of attracting major international matches remain distinct from the project's expected opening timetable.