Growing up in this area, I always heard the quote, “The world comes to Chicago.” Though I’m not sure where exactly the quote is from, I’ve always found it to be undeniably true. Chicago is a city of people who’ve come from all over the world. Some have only visited; many have stayed and together built this wonderful city.
What people loved most about where they were originally from, they have brought here to Chicago and shared. We are a melting pot of cultures and everyone brings something that makes us whole. That diversity is what makes Chicago interesting and exciting. It’s what makes Chicago truly special. It’s what makes Chicago great.
And as the Chicago area grows, once again the world comes to Chicago.
This time it is the world of Cricket.
Oswego has the unique opportunity to become home to Chicago’s first Cricket stadium. 34 acres of industrial zoned land have been purchased along Orchard Road and Tuscany Trail. The stadium is in the proposal stage, making its way through the village’s approval process. However, we can all hope that it passes and becomes a welcome addition to our community.
The sport of Cricket is celebrated and enjoyed throughout most of the world, except in the United States. That however is changing. Similar to the national style leagues of other major sports (such as the NBA, NFL, NHL, etc.) there is an official Major League Cricket with teams representing major cities. When it passes all the approvals, Chicago’s franchise will be playing in a beautiful first class facility in Oswego.
If you’d like to see a Cricket match today, there are matches that can be streamed on ESPN+. Be sure to make some popcorn first as it’s easy to get into the game, and simply a lot of fun to watch.
Having lived near a stadium in one form or another for the past decade, I’m especially excited about this new one being built. It certainly excites me more than the idea of another noisy trucking yard, or other ugly and busy industrial complex being built in the same place.
***Update – September 12, 2023 – Update***
The Village of Oswego’s Planning and Zoning commission recommended approval of the special use permit for the first phase of the project. The first phase of the project is hardly more than the field (or wicket), with an estimated capacity of 150-200 people. Still, with the approval of the village board it will the initial construction to begin. In total there are five phases of construction, and additional approvals will be required for each phase.
Now the project moves forward to the Village Board for their approval.
Documents
https://www.oswegoil.org/government/boards-commissions/planning-zoning-commission/-folder-271
https://www.oswegoil.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1632/81?folder=271
Chicago's Fun Side 
Leave a comment