With the cricketing world set to turn its attention to Antigua and Barbuda next month, tourism officials are looking to capitalise on the return of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as part of a broader strategy to grow sports tourism and showcase the twin-island destination to an international audience.

Antigua and Barbuda will host four home matches for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium from August 20 to 25, as fans are expected to travel to the destination for a combination of cricket, culture and entertainment.

The Falcons will face the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Trinbago Knight Riders, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents, with all matches scheduled to begin at 7pm local time.

Chief Marketing Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Charmaine Spencer, said sporting events such as the CPL have become an important part of the country’s efforts to diversify its tourism offering.

“Sports tourism continues to be an important component of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism strategy to diversify visitor experiences, extend visitor stays, encourage group travel and strengthen year-round tourism demand,” Spencer said.

She added that events such as the CPL provide an opportunity to highlight the country’s hospitality, culture and attractions beyond the cricket stadium.

“Events such as CPL also provide us with the opportunity to showcase our hospitality, beauty and culture as we invite visitors to explore all the destination has to offer beyond the cricket,” Spencer said.

For the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, the 2026 campaign will focus on encouraging visitors and locals to embrace both the cricket and the wider carnival-like atmosphere surrounding the tournament.

The team’s Brand and Marketing Communications Manager Sabrina Webster said the campaign, titled “Come for the Fete, Stay for the Match,” aims to capture the unique experience of CPL in Antigua and Barbuda.

“From the lively Party Stand and the relaxed Grass Mound to the elevated Premium Hospitality suites, each Falcons home match is designed to offer something special for every fan,” Webster said.

Beyond the matches, visitors travelling for the tournament are being encouraged to explore the destination’s wider tourism offerings, including its beaches, local cuisine, cultural attractions and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nelson’s Dockyard.

Tickets for CPL 2026 matches in Antigua and Barbuda are available through the official CPL website, the league’s ticketing platform, RUBIS service stations and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ CPL 2026 home schedule:

• Thursday, August 20: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots
• Saturday, August 22: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons vs Trinbago Knight Riders
• Sunday, August 23: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons vs Guyana Amazon Warriors
• Tuesday, August 25: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons vs Barbados Tridents