Washington Freedom Breaks Ground on New Home in Frederick

Washington Freedom officially broke ground on Friday, October 16, on its permanent home in Frederick, Maryland, marking a major step forward for the Major League Cricket franchise and for the continued growth of professional cricket in the United States.

The privately funded, 10,000-capacity Frederick Cricket Park will be developed on 24 acres along the Monocacy River. Designed as both a world-class home for Washington Freedom and a multi-use recreational and community destination, the park will become the first dedicated permanent home facility built for a Major League Cricket franchise on the East Coast and one of only a few purpose-built professional cricket venues in the country.

The groundbreaking brought together Washington Freedom leadership, Major League Cricket representatives, elected officials, regional business leaders and members of the Frederick community to celebrate the project’s transition from planning to development.

Among those joining Washington Freedom at the future park site were Major League Cricket CEO Johnny Grave, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor and members of the Frederick City Council. “[Sanjay Govil] doesn't bet on what is, he bets on what can be, and this is what he is doing for the State of Maryland, he’s betting on the future of it,” said Lieutenant Governor of Maryland Aruna Miller. “And it’s the people of Frederick who are going to win…because when you bring global fans from all over the world to Frederick, it's going to be a destination.”

The groundbreaking represents the culmination of years of work by Washington Freedom owner Sanjay Govil and the organization to establish a permanent home for the franchise. It also comes at an important moment for cricket in the United States. Major League Cricket continues to expand its presence nationally, while cricket is preparing to return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

“It's moments like today that we'll look back on as historic moments for the sport in this country,” said Major League Cricket CEO Johnny Grave. “I can’t wait to come back here over the next few years and see this entire site transformed into not just one of the better cricket grounds in the world, but a real center for community.”

That broader vision has remained central to the Frederick Cricket Park from the beginning. While the venue will serve as Washington Freedom’s home field, the project is intended to create lasting value for Frederick and the surrounding region well beyond professional cricket. Current projections estimate nearly $2 million in annual tax revenue for the City of Frederick, Frederick County, and the State of Maryland once the park reaches full capacity. Increased visitation is also expected to support hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses throughout the area.

“Today, we're breaking ground on something that represents so much more than a professional sports facility,” said Frederick City Mayor Michael O’Connor during the event. “We're celebrating a new opportunity for economic growth, community connection, and Frederick's continued evolution as a destination for people, businesses, and new ideas.”

“Projects of this scale don't happen simply because someone has a great idea,” O’Connor continued. “They happen because people are willing to work together. And here in Frederick, we understood what this investment could mean for our city, and we worked collaboratively with partners to help move that vision forward. Today is a reflection of what can happen when private investment and local leadership and a shared commitment to our community come together.”

Outside of professional cricket, the Frederick Cricket Park is intended to support youth and amateur sports, community events and recreational use. Plans also envision new public access to green space along the Monocacy River, extending the purpose of the park beyond match days and creating a destination that can serve Frederick throughout the year. “Sports are about competition, they're about rivalries, but at the end of the day, they are about bringing people together,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “And that’s what’s so exciting…the power of sport to bring people together, and to do it right here in Frederick, and to do it with the Washington Freedom.”

With the groundbreaking complete, Washington Freedom will continue advancing site development and the work required to bring the cricket pitch and broader park to life. Additional construction and opening details will be shared as the Frederick Cricket Park progresses through the required phases.