Proposed Cricket Field at Baylands
Park
City of Sunnyvale
American Cricket Enterprises
&
Blazers ( Minor League Team)
February 2022
Attachment 2
Contents
Summary of Cricket Field vs. Stadium Proposal 3
Executive Summary 4
Minor League Cricket 5
Youth and Adult Leagues 5
Lack of Cricket infrastructure 6
Proposed Baylands Park Cricket Ground 7
Cricket Ground Design Overview 7
Proposed Design at Baylands Park 7
Environmental Constraints 10
Parking 11
Venue Use and Construction 12
Venue Use and Programming 12
Estimated Costs 13
Project Financing 13
Capital Improvements 13
Ongoing Maintenance 13
Benefits to the City 14
Boosting local economic activity 14
Engagement with local community 14
Increasing cricket fanbase 14
Boost the Profile of the City 14
Bay Area Cricket Following Demographics 15
Appendices 16
Environmental Impact Study (DJ Powers) 16
Traffic Impact Study (Hexagon Transportation) 16
Comparable US Cricket Venues 16
Church St Park (Morrisville, NC) 16
Prairie View Cricket Complex (Houston, TX) 17
Overview of Minor League Cricket and National Youth Academies 18 Minor League Cricket 18
Youth Academies 18
Players 19
Partners 19
Attachment 2
Summary of Cricket Field vs. Stadium Proposal
As discussed in more detail below the new proposal for a community cricket field at Baylands Park contemplates a more community oriented development with removal of majority of the ‘stadium’ elements. A summary of the key differences between the proposals can be seen below:
Development Cricket Stadium Community Cricket Field
Date proposed 2020 2022
Design Elements
Footprint 7.0 acres 3.7 acres
Capacity 4,000 500
New parking structures 400 Nil
Parking required (1:3) 1,333 (additional parking
construction and sharing
required)
166 (covered by existing
parking at Baylands)
Earthworks Full-size cricket field, grass
berm
Full-size cricket field, small
grass berm (TBD)
Physical Structures Pavilion, seating, field
lighting, media center,
scoreboard, carpark
Nil
Environmental impacts Low Negligible
Venue Use
Regular Events Major League Cricket, USA
National Team, Minor
League Cricket
Minor League Cricket
(Sunnyvale Blazers home
ground), Youth
Programs/Academy, Local
Leagues (NCCA). Women’s
Cricket by NCCA
Special Events Major international events USA National Team, Major League Cricket
Community Events Large community events Everyday community use Financing / Project Stakeholders
Structure Public Private Partnership Public Private Partnership Estimated Cost >$8M <$1.5M
Lead Stakeholder Major League Cricket Minor League Cricket (Sunnyvale Blazers team)
Operation Major League Cricket City (in line with regular sporting field maintenance)
Sunnyvale Blazers
(specialized cricket
preparation)
Attachment 2
Executive Summary
In early 2020, American Cricket Enterprises Inc. (doing business as “Major League Cricket'' (MLC)) proposed to the City of Sunnyvale a ~4,000 capacity cricket stadium that included a natural turf field, pavilion, field lighting, carpark, and other small auxiliary features to host international cricket. Whilst this proposal was agreed by the City of Sunnyvale Council to progress through to an approved study, given the constraints and environmental sensitivity of the site, MLC along with Blazers (Minor League Team in Bay Area) is proposing a smaller and more community oriented development. This new development will be the construction of our international quality cricket field with a capacity of 500, achieved through a small grass berm, and will not require any structural buildings. It is estimated that the cost of this will be just $1.5M, $5-7M less than the previously proposed stadium development.
Major League Cricket is the exclusive partner of USA Cricket, the national governing body for the sport of cricket, with the purpose of launching two nationwide professional T20 cricket tournaments, Minor and Major League Cricket; in addition to supporting the growth and development of grassroots cricket in the wider community. A key pillar of MLC’s growth is the development of cricket venues across the country to host Minor and Major League Cricket, as well as providing high-quality facilities for use by local leagues and Youth Academies to accelerate the growth and quality of players across the country.
The revised proposal for a cricket venue at Baylands park will still feature an international quality and sized natural turf playing field with clay-based center wickets and some grass berm seating. The proposed capacity of the new cricket ground would be much smaller, at around 500 for regular events, and potential to increase to ~1,000 for limited special events once or twice a year. The proposed pavilion will be reduced to a public change room/restroom facility and some storage for field maintenance equipment; the field lighting and car park will also be removed from the development.
This will re-orientate the venue to be a lighter-weight, more community focused venue that is still capable of accommodating international cricket matches, whilst providing wider uses to Sunnyvale residents. It will also minimize the environmental and traffic impacts on Baylands Park and the surrounding areas.
The proposed use of the venue would span both cricket and general community use.
The venue would be the home ground of two of the Bay Area franchises of the national semi-professional Minor League Cricket (MiLC) competition, the Bay Area Blazers and Silicon Valley Strikers (the 2021 MiLC Champions). It would also serve as a key training center for the significant youth contingent of the local NCCA league and MLC Youth Academy to help develop the next generation of cricketing talent. With the HQ of both MLC and USA Cricket currently based in the Bay Area, this ground would also be a venue for International Fixtures with the USA National Team.
We see Baylands Park in the City of Sunnyvale as a prime location for a cricket venue given the strong cricket-following demographics in Sunnyvale and the surrounding cities. The Bay Area is home to the largest population of South Asian expatriates in the Attachment 2
US, typically very strong cricket fans, with Sunnyvale itself made up of ~25% South Asians and an estimated ~80,000 cricket fans in the nearby areas. In addition, the Bay Area is home to two of the largest local cricket leagues in the US, NCCA and BACA, and a large youth contingent with MLC’s biggest Youth Academy also based in the Bay Area. With the HQ of MLC located nearby, we see this as a key community venue for the significant cricketing population in Sunnyvale and surrounds.
With the incredibly strong demand for high quality cricket grounds in the Bay Area and the relative scarcity of them, the Bayland cricket ground can be 100% utilized year-round by the Minor League, local Youth Leagues, and USA National team. The construction of the venue is expected to be in the range of $1.5M, with financing proposed through a public-private partnership between Minor League Cricket and the City of Sunnyvale.Cricket in Sunnyvale and the Bay Area. It is proposed that Minor League Cricket would cover construction of the center wickets and the related equipment/storage ($150k), as well as the ongoing maintenance of the center wicket ($15k p.a.); with the City to finance the remaining initial capital for construction ($1M-$1.3M) and maintain the outfield as it would any other public sporting park.
Minor League Cricket
Minor League Cricket was launched in 2021
as the US’ first ever national
semi-professional cricket league, seeing the
best US players compete alongside
international stars in pursuit of the National
Championship. The 2021 Minor League was
a four-month tournament featuring over 500
players and 200 games across the
country, with 27 teams spread across 27
venues and culminating in Conference
Finals, and a National Championship series.
The 2021 Minor League was streamed both nationally and internationally and garnered almost a million streaming views and reached ~50M people on social media, and almost 3 billion worldwide.
As the center of cricket in the US the
Bay Area had two teams compete in
the Minor League, the most of any
area, with all teams proving
themselves amongst the best in the
competition. With a hugely talented
cohort of players, including
international stars Unmukt Chand,
Rusty Theron, Shehan Jayasuriya,
they were destined for success.
Whilst the Bay Area Blazers fell short
of the National Finals weekend, the Silicon Valley Strikers went on to claim the inaugural National Championship, which was broadcast nationally and internationally.
Attachment 2
Youth and Adult Leagues
The Bay Area is home to the Northern California Cricket Association (NCCA), the oldest cricket league in California and one of the oldest in the US. Founded in 1892 the NCCA has established itself as one of the breeding grounds for players who have gone on to represent the USA National Team and currently count USA Captain Saurabh Netravalkar and five (5) U19 National players amongst their members.
During the year the NCCA runs numerous tournaments and
leagues which feature over 100 teams across both seniors and youth programs. These matches can be seen all over
the Bay Area on any given weekend and serve as an
important pillar of the local South Asian community, for whom cricket is a lifelong passion.
A key focus of the NCCA is driving the local Youth
Programs to ensure that not only the game of cricket is carried on in the younger generations, but to provide them a platform to take their game to the next level and compete in Major/Minor League Cricket at the USA National Team.
Whilst the NCCA boasts a highly successful Youth league with dozens of teams, and strong affiliation to the affiliated MLC Youth Academy which fosters some of the most elite youth cricketers in the country. These Youth Academies and Leagues are coached by leading international cricketers including former USA Captain and South African international Rusty Theron, former South African cricketer David White, and former Sri Lanka national Shehan Jayasuriya.
Lack of Cricket infrastructure
With the huge cricketing community in Sunnyvale there is significant demand for high-quality natural turf grounds, and a severe lack of suitable venues of this type in both Sunnyvale and the wider Bay Area. A natural turf playing field is required to host both Minor League and international fixtures given the standards set out by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is key for the development of youth players given the different playing characteristics when compared to synthetic fields.
There are only two other venues in the Bay Area that meet the turf field requirements for Minor League Cricket, and only one with the potential to meet international match standards:
1. Morgan Hill Cricket Ground is the primary location in the Bay Area for Minor League Cricket and the MLC Youth Academy, located at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Complex. Whilst this venue has a high-quality field, it’s location is over 30mins south of San Jose and Sunnyvale – outside the heart of the cricketing fanbase.
2. Santa Clara Cricket Ground is located on the grounds of Wilson High School in Santa Clara, near Sunnyvale and downtown San Jose. This field is located on an existing baseball diamond and is not of the quality required for international and professional cricket.
With only one suitable venue in the Bay Area for Minor League and professional cricket, it is critical for the growth of the game in one of its key communities that a second venue be developed in the heart of US cricket.
Attachment 2
Proposed Baylands Park Cricket Field
Cricket Field Design Overview
The total design and development scope for the proposed cricket field at Baylands park has been reduced to just the following elements which we believe are key in best serving both the local Minor League teams and Youth programs. ● A cricket field of ICC minimum dimensions (450’ diameter) with 3-4 clay wickets
● A small grass perm encompassing the field of play to allow for a regular capacity of ~500
● Changeroom/Toilet block for players
● Small shed for storage of field maintenance equipment Given the reduced scope, there is no requirement to build any additional structures or expand the existing car park capacity. An example of a community cricket field can be seen below, setup for a Minor League match with 500 attendees.
Figure 1: Proposed Design at Baylands Park
The site footprint has been chosen to avoid the existing environmental sensitivities that exist in the Baylands Park fields, whilst also maximizing proximity to existing car parks, and preservation of park and picnic areas (see Figure 2 below). The exact location of the natural turf field would be decided in conjunction with the City and input from environmental consultants and parks department.
Attachment 2
Figure 2
Figure 3
Attachment 2
Figure 4
The proposed field at Baylands Park would have a capacity of 500 achieved through re-purposing any excess dirt/fill material from the grading of the field into a small grassy berm which would be constructed along a portion of the perimeter of the field. This will ensure that the cricket ground retains the ‘natural’ park feel and aesthetics that currently exists in Baylands park, whilst also being cost-effective. An example of what the ground could look like is shown above in a digital rendering where a low grass berm has been constructed around half the field, with temporary tents for game day shown alongside a toilet/restroom facility.
Access to the facility would utilize the existing road that runs along the south of Baylands Park (adjacent to the Baylands Park Trail), with the current parking and access roads into the park being sufficient for all expected capacities.
The footprint of the field may impact some picnic areas that exist on the South portion of the park, as well as the small amphitheater in the middle. To mitigate these impacts we believe that some, or all, of these picnic and community areas can be repurposed adjacent to the field on the East or West side to accommodate spectators and provide shade and picnic areas whilst watching cricketing or community events; this will also help create more community engagement with the cricket ground. We will also commit to re-planting twice as many trees as are disturbed in the building of the field and will work closely with Sunnyvale City and environmental consultants to determine the best location for this revegetation.
For significant events such as Minor League finals, or USA National Team games we have considered the ability to add in additional temporary capacity. These games will provide national and international exposure to Sunnyvale and transform the stadium into a genuine cricketing venue, without the need to expand the footprint or impact the surrounding park.
This increase in capacity may involve bringing in some temporary hospitality areas (food trucks, specialized tents, etc.) and some small bleachers for VIP guests and areas. All of these can be achieved easily on a temporary basis in line with what was done at a similar venue in Morrisville, NC for our Minor League 2021 Finals Attachment 2
Environmental Constraints
Given the existing environmental conditions that exist in Baylands Park we have been conscious in ensuring that the footprint of the proposed cricket ground development avoids any sensitive areas that may result in a negative impact to the surroundings.
The initial assessment conducted by DJ Powers, which was based on the previous proposal of a more infrastructure heavy ‘stadium’, concluded that it is unlikely the project would have any material negative environmental impact to Baylands Park.
Given the reduced development scope, any environmental impacts are likely to be negligible, as per the detailed DJ Power report.
The proposed footprint does not encroach on the seasonal wetlands and Harvest Mouse population that exists in the North and North-East, to which environmental consultants DJ Powers & Associates has advised,
“The proposed development would avoid disturbance in this area and, therefore, would not result in impacts to this seasonal wetland”. (DJ Powers Memo, 2020) Attachment 2
A number of other environmental considerations have been initially assessed by DJ Powers & Associates including air quality, cultural resources, hazardous materials, hydrology, and land use; all of which have been deemed to be not significant in their impact. A full overview of their environmental assessment can be found in Appendix B. Some minor environmental impacts related to tree removal and trimming, and top soil disturbances, will be managed and mitigated through close consultation with environmental consultants; these impacts will be very minimal. We will try to replant twice as many native trees that need to be removed to improve the carbon neutrality and promote green and shade.
Parking
The reduced scope of the cricket ground development as Baylands Park has mitigated the need to construct any additional parking above what currently exists at the park today.
We have been advised by Hexagon Transport that in order to meet city requirements, and the likely demand, we will require parking at 1:3 ratio to capacity to adequately meet parking needs and mitigate any negative traffic/parking impacts. Hexagon has measured the existing parking capacity on Baylands Park to be 475 spaces, well within the required number for ~5,000 attendees (~133 car parks). However, for those few special gameday events, such as MiLC Finals or USA National games, where a capacity of ~2,000 may be required, there is significant parking available in close proximity.
As shown in Figure 5 below, there are approximately 3,800 parking lots adjacent to Baylands Park that can be sourced through commercial agreements to meet the required demand. MLC is confident in securing ~the additional ~250 spaces that would be required for a 2,000 person event (~700 car parks required) from Twin Creeks Sporting Complex and Moffett Business Park. Hexagon Transport has advised that sourcing ~400+ parks from each adjacent lot is achievable, giving a potential parking capacity for the Baylands cricket ground of 1,275 (475 existing + 400 Twin Creeks + 400 Moffett = 1,275), providing enough parking for almost 4,000 attendees, far above required capacity. (Hexagon Transport’s full report can be found in Appendix C).
Attachment 2
Venue Use and Construction
Venue Use and Programming
As discussed previously in this report, the primary use for this venue would be for Youth Leagues and Academies, as well as the home game venue of the two Bay Area Minor League franchises. With the strong cricketing community and demand for turf grounds, we expect this ground to be 100% utilized throughout the year given that Bay Area weather permits cricket play nearly all year round.
Minor League Cricket matches and Youth League games take place between Friday and Sunday afternoons (i.e. weekends only), however it is expected that both of these groups will utilize the venue during the week for training purposes.
The table below summarizes the expected use of the venue split between Minor League Cricket (regular season and finals), USA National Team (special events), and Local Youth Cricket; with capacity for Community and City events.
Type of event Season for use Number of
Events1
Avg.
attendance
per event
Annual
attendance
Minor League
(Regular Season)
June – Sept. 12
(3-4 weekends)
500 ~6,000
Minor League
Finals
Sept 2 – 3
(1 weekend)
1,000 ~3,000
USA National
Team
Oct – Dec
Feb – Apr
1 – 2 2,000 2,000 – 4,000
Local Cricket
(incl. Youth)
All Year 50 N/A N/A
City/Community
Events
All Year TBD with City n/a n/a
Estimated Costs
The total cricket ground construction costs are broadly estimated to be $1-$1.5 million, over $5M less than the previously proposed stadium.
The revised cost breakdown is outlined below – further efforts are underway to get more granularity and accuracy on these costs:
1 Attachment 2
Sr. No Particular $ million
1 Ground grading, leveling, drainage and planting grass outfield $0.8M
2 Field irrigation and water supply $0.2M
2 Grass embankment (berm) seating – 500 capacity $0.2M
3 Construction of clay center wickets $0.1M
4 Maintenance Equipment and Storage Shed $0.05M
5 Relocation of Picnic Area and tree replanting $0.1M
TOTAL ~$1.45M
Project Financing
Capital Improvements
We propose this project to be funded through a public private partnership between MLC and the City of Sunnyvale.
Given the primary use of the field is for local community and youth league uses in Sunnyvale we would be looking to Sunnyvale to fund the initial capital improvements, or the majority of.
Minor League Cricket (Blazers) would cover the costs of the cricket specific elements such as the center wickets, equipment, storage shed, and clay; costs of which we expect to be approximately $150,000.
It is expected that Minor League Team, Bay Blazers will be renamed as Sunnyvale Blazers contingent to approval of the Cricket Field. As part of the ongoing reservation Sunnyvale Blazers will be given the prioritized reservation for at least 300 days over 3 years, out of this 80% will be rented to Community Cricket like NCCA Adult, Youth and Women cricket.
Ongoing Maintenance
Minor League Cricket would cover the cricket-specific elements of maintenance related to the center wickets. This would cover the regular rolling and watering of the center wicket to prepare for gameday, as well as the ongoing remediation and repairs of the wicket. This contribution would also cover any required materials and equipment. The cost of this is expected to be $18,000 p.a., exclusive of the cost of an expert curator which would also be supplied by Minor League Cricket.
The City would maintain the outfield, mowing, watering, and remediation, as it would any other public sporting field.
Attachment 2
Benefits to the City
Boosting local economic activity
The location of a Minor League Cricket and community cricket venue in the heart of Sunnyvale is expected to drive economic benefit to the City of Sunnyvale through strong rental fee revenue based on 100% utilization of the field. In addition, Minor League Cricket is expected to draw strong crowds on a regular basis who are likely to spend in the City of Sunnyvale on things like food, retail, and transport, as well as supporting local food vendors present at the games.
Whilst Minor League Cricket is still somewhat in its infancy, with the inaugural season being held last year, it is expected that it will quickly grow into a widely followed Tier II national competition similar to the United Soccer League (USL) has for soccer. The Minor League attracts notable international players, particularly for the Sunnyvale Blazers team, with attendances set to grow each year.
Engagement with local community
Based on the Bay Area region demographics and especially in the City of Sunnyvale, there is already an established cricketing following fanbase in the region. This fanbase will have a higher affinity towards the Sunnyvale based Minor League Team and this venue will serve as a pillar of the South Asian community in the area. The local Youth Players will benefit greatly from the enhanced facility, further developing the game and community engagement through the venue. BayLand Parks Cricket Field will be actively used by the NCCA cricket league for their weekly games. NCCA also conduct youth league and lion share of players in NCCA are from Sunnyvale area.
Increasing cricket fanbase
The Minor League Cricket, as well as special USA National and Major League games, will offer a compelling and entertaining proposition that will meet the needs of cricket fans based out of the Bay Area region and particularly in the City of Sunnyvale. It will deliver a game day experience that keeps fans wanting to return and support their local team.
Boost the Profile of the City
With the growth of Minor League Cricket and special events matches with USA National Team and Major League Cricket, this ground will enhance the profile of Sunnyvale in the significant cricketing community (estimated at over 5M engaged fans in the US, and total fanbase of 15M-20M). All Minor League Cricket games are streamed both nationally and internationally, with the inaugural 2021 season garnering almost 1M viewers and reaching over 3B people worldwide across all media platforms.
Attachment 2
Bay Area Cricket Following Demographics
The Bay Area is home to a large South Asia, especially Indian diaspora, the cricket following population and the key target segment for Major League. As per the 2011 census, the number of Indian-Americans in the Bay Area grew by 53% to 244,493. As per the recent reports, more than 300,000 people of Indian descent are living in the Bay Area. The above demographic trends are corroborated by data from Times Group internet properties & Willow TV.
The City of Sunnyvale specifically has one of the highest percentages of Indian American expatriates, estimated at ~25%, and is in close proximity to other favorable cities such as Cupertino, Santa Clara and Fremont. This represents a great foundation of existing cricket fans that will have the opportunity to engage in international level cricket games, at a world class facility.
MLC is deeply engaged in the Sunnyvale and surrounding communities through our wide network of investors, stakeholders, and Major League Cricket Academies.
Through these channels we have a great ability to assist the City of Sunnyvale with any and all required public outreach.
Attachment 2
Appendices
Environmental Impact Study (DJ Powers)
See attached MOU
Traffic Impact Study (Hexagon Transportation)
See attached MOU
Comparable US Cricket Venues
Church St Park (Morrisville, NC)
MLC has recently entered into an agreement
to develop the existing cricket grounds in
Morrisville, North Carolina to into a
world-class cricket venue in exchange for
exclusive use of the venue. Morrisville will be
a venue for major international matches,
World Cup games, Major League Cricket
matches and Minor League Cricket matches,
along with concerts, community fairs and
other events to be staged by the Town of Morrisville; the same types of events that will come to the Baylands Cricket Venue. The developments are to be completed by Summer 2023, in time for use during the Minor League Cricket season.
The Morrisville Venue was the location for the Minor League Cricket Finals which was broadcast on both TV and Digital Streaming and had over 2500 people in attendance, with widespread media coverage.
The Morrisville Venue consists of an
internationally sized natura turf cricket field,
clay center wickets, grass berm, player
dugouts, and restroom/sheltered areas for
fans and players. It is surrounded by grass
berm which is where the majority of its
capacity is derived, providing an
environmentally friendly and engaging
community venue.
Major League Cricket, as part of it’s agreement, will be upgrading the facility with some lightweight cost-effective seating to further increase the capacity and provide permanent broadcast infrastructure for international fixtures.
Attachment 2
Prairie View Cricket Complex (Houston, TX)
Prairie View Cricket Complex (PVCC) is located 40 mins north of Houston and is a key high-performance center for Minor League Cricket and USA Cricket, with the U19 National Championship and Minor League Conference Finals being held there. It consists of six (6) natural turf fields of international size, practice nets, small broadcast booths, and a 150 space carpark.
It is a great example of what can be achieved with minimal ‘hard’ structures, with VIP and spectator areas being set up on a temporary basis with tents, food trucks, etc. being brought in with minimal effort. The capacity for the main ground (Field 3) is approximately 500 people and has some small broadcast and shade structures.
Attachment 2
Overview of Minor League Cricket and National Youth Academies Minor League Cricket
Minor League is a USA Cricket Board sanctioned, tier-II level national cricket tournament with an aim to promote the sport and increase fan base in the country. Minor League comprises a total of 22-24 city-based teams spread across the U.S.
Each team shall consist of international and national players, high performing academy players and amateurs. It will provide a platform for cricket players to showcase their skills and move upwards towards the Major League.
The Minor League will have higher local participation and thereby help build the foundation of professional cricket. All the league and play-off matches will be digitally streamed, and semifinals and finals will be broadcast on television.
The 2021 Minor League was a four-month tournament featuring over 200 games, with 27 teams spread across 27 venues around the country and culminating in Conference Finals, and a National Championship series.
Youth Academies
Another focus of MLC is to develop the structures and programs to support the development of youth cricketers across the country, to help them grow their skills and provide a pathway to playing the sport at a semi-professional or professional level. MLC has partnered with and invested in 14 youth cricket academies across the country and intends to reach 20 academies by summer of 2022. MLC is training over 1500 youth cricketers throughout the country.
Through standardized national coaching programs, many of which are implemented by professional and international cricketers contracted to MLC, MLC hopes to grow the development of the sport of a cricket at a grassroots level and provide a pipeline of talented, home-grown cricketers to play in Minor League Cricket, Major League Cricket and eventually for the USA Cricket Team on the international stage.
MLC provides a format for these youth players and youth academies to compete on a Attachment 2
national stage, with the MLC Jr. Championships. In 2021, about 1000 youth players participated in five national tournaments, playing more than 400 games across five age categories, making MLC Jr. Championship the largest youth tournament in the country.
These tournaments will help to hone the player skills and provide competitive match practice.
MLC plans to hold tournaments in various cities in the United States throughout the year.
However, such tournaments will require the development of world class cricket facilities across the country to enable youth cricketers to be able to play under professional conditions. This is where venues such as the Marymoor Cricket Community Park will become of great importance to the growth and development of cricket and youth cricketers in the United States.
Players
MLC for the first time in the U.S. will professionalize cricket by awarding contracts to players.
MLC plans to develop a roster of more than 70+ professional cricket players who will participate in the Major League and compete for a spot on the U.S. national teams. The player pool contracted will also be made available to the Minor League. Major international players have been recruited to Major League Cricket with plans to become U.S. eligible.
Standouts, such as New Zealand’s Corey Anderson and Pakistan’s Sami Aslam, are just a couple of the 50+ recruited players who have competed internationally or in first-class domestic tournaments. MLC would assist the development of cricket players and provide greater experience of competitive match play. This would also help in fulfilling the ambitions of the U.S. National teams of participating in the cricket world cup.
Partners
MLC has several advantageous strategic partnerships and works with its partners to leverage their skills and expertise:
The internationally renowned architects have previously designed AT&T, Optus, and Sofi stadiums. They are integral to MLC’s plans to increase cricketing infrastructure in the country (including infrastructure-light grounds) and are key to the final venue designs.
Through its agreement with Willow TV, MLC has access to broadcast expertise, unparalleled knowledge of the existing viewership and an avenue to showcase its Major League and Minor League and U.S. National Team matches to national and international viewers.
As one of the world’s leading sports brands, the 49ers offer a unique view into the U.S. sports market and how best to tap into it, as well as advice on how to most efficiently structure the league from the perspective of a professional sports team.
By working with the governing body for the sport of cricket in the U.S., MLC has ensured the national sanctioning and exclusivity of its Major League and Minor League. On the international level, MLC can work with USA Cricket to secure high profile international matches to be played in the United States.
Attachment 2
February 5, 2020
Ms. Julie Wright
David J. Powers & Associates
1871 The Alameda, Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95126
Re: Parking Review of Potential Cricket Field in Baylands Park in Sunnyvale, California
Dear Ms. Wright:
Hexagon Transportation Consultants, Inc. has completed a parking review for the potential cricket field to be built in Baylands Park in Sunnyvale, California. We understand that the field could host events up to 4,500 spectators. Events would occur on weekends. Baylands Park is adjacent to the Moffett Park business park. Most businesses are closed on weekends. Therefore, traffic would not be a problem for weekend events. This study focuses on parking demand and supply. Baylands Park is also adjacent to the Twin Creeks Sports Complex, which is open on weekends.
Project Description
The cricket field would provide sport play for professional leagues and the surrounding community. The proposed cricket field would be 8 acres in area with approximately 500 permanent seats and grass berms to seat about 4,000 spectators. In total, the field could host events up to 4,500 spectators. It is expected that there would be about 8 major events per year with the maximum expected crowd size. Outside of host events, other local sports groups could use the facility during the weekdays. It is expected that these local events would attract no more than 100 visitors. The project proposes to build the field in the middle of the park. Figure 1 shows the site plan for the project.
Parking Review
Based on counts of parking at other sporting events, Hexagon estimates that vehicle occupancy for cricket tournaments would be about 3 persons per vehicle. Therefore, an event with 4,500 attendance would need 1,500 parking spaces. According to the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, the number of parking spaces required for a recreational and athletic facility is 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of general area. The proposed cricket field would be 8 acres (348,480 square feet) in area. Given the dimensions of the cricket field, the project would require 1,742 parking spaces, if following the City code.
Hexagon counted the number of parking spaces within and near Baylands Park. The parking lots within Baylands Park have a total of 475 parking spaces. The project would construct a new parking area with about 400 parking spaces. With the total amount of existing parking spaces within Baylands Park and the proposed new parking spaces, there would be 875 parking spaces provided for the proposed cricket field during events. Therefore, more parking spaces are required.
Attachment 2
Cricket Field Sunnyvale
Figure 1
Site Plan
Ecologically sensitive area
North Facilities
5,000sf
Grass Berm
4,000 attendees planned
Viewing Stand
500 permenant seats
24,000sf facilities
Existing parking area
196 parking spaces approximately
Existing parking area
176 parking spaces approximately
New parking area
400 parking spaces approximately
Animal Assisted
Happiness Farm
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800 parking spaces approximately
ACE CRICKET
BAYLANDS STUDY
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Attachment 2
Ms. Julie Wright
February 5, 2020
The Twin Creeks Sports Complex is located north of Baylands Park. The sports complex has a parking lot with approximately 788 parking spaces, and two overflow parking lots with a total of 688 parking spaces. Thus, the total parking at the Twin Creeks Sports Complex is 1,476 spaces.
According to the Twin Creeks Sports Complex, the sports complex holds events every weekend, with soccer events being the most popular type of sport. These soccer events are held once to twice per month year-round. Soccer events fully utilize the main parking lot and the overflow parking lots.
Moffett Park business park is located west of Baylands Park. Hexagon has determined that the number of parking spaces in the business park near Baylands Park is approximately 2,290 parking spaces. Some business park spaces may be able to provide parking for the cricket field during events, subject to agreements with the owners.
Table 1 shows the number of existing parking spaces in each section of the potential parking areas. Figure 2 shows a map of the potential parking areas within the business park.
Table 1
Moffett Park Parking Spaces near the Cricket Field
Conclusions
The cricket field would need about 1,500 parking spaces for an event with an attendance of 4,500 people. Baylands Park, with extra parking provided by the cricket field, could supply up to 875 spaces. Thus, about 625 parking spaces would be needed off site. The Twin Creeks Sports Complex could provide 625 parking spaces for the cricket field events depending on the schedule and depending on their willingness to lease spaces. Also, 625 spaces could be provided within the Moffett Park business park, again depending on the willingness of business owners to offer their spaces for lease.
LOTS
APPROXIMATE
NUMBER OF
EXISTING
PARKING SPACES
Moffett Park Business Park
Finisar 251
Danaher Corporation 254
Honeywell 172
Liquid Robotics 170
Moffett Park Ct 524
Accuray 920
Net Spaces 2291
Attachment 2
= Danaher Corporation
= Honeywell
= Liquid Robotics
= Moffett Park Court
= Finisar
= Radisson Hotel
= Accuray
= Twin Creeks Excess Overflow Lots
= Twin Creeks Main Lot
= Baylands Park Lots
LEGEND
E Caribbean DrE Caribbean
Dr
Crossman AveCrossman Ave
Orleans DrOrleans Dr
Baltic WayBaltic Way
Moffett Park CtMoffett Park Ct
Moffett Park DrMoffett Park Dr
Baylands ParkBaylands Park
Moffett Park DrMoffett P
ark Dr
ChesapeakeChesa
peak
e
TerraceTerrace
E Caribbean Dr
Crossman Ave
Orleans Dr
Baltic Way
Moffett Park Ct
Moffett Park Dr
Baylands Park
Moffett Park Dr
Chesapeake
Terrace
101
Cricket Field Sunnyvale
Figure 2
Potential Parking Areas
Attachment 2
Ms. Julie Wright
February 5, 2020
We appreciate the opportunity to provide this parking review. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
HEXAGON TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS, INC.
Gary K. Black, ACIP
President
Jonathan Wong
Engineer
Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 1 Environmental Considerations
Memorandum
To: William Swann
American Cricket Enterprises
From: Julie Wright, Senior Project Manager
David J. Powers & Associates
Date: February 5, 2020
Subject: Cricket Facility Baylands Park Study, Sunnyvale – Environmental Considerations Analysis
The following Environmental Considerations Analysis was prepared by David J. Powers & Associates, Inc. for the proposed Cricket Facility Project at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale. Our analysis is based on a field survey and review of documents previously prepared for the project area (Sunnyvale Baylands Park and Landfill Biological Constraints and Opportunity Analysis, prepared by H.T. Harvey & Associates, 2015).
Existing Conditions
Baylands Park is located in the southwest corner of San Francisco Bay. The active use area of Baylands Park provides 72 acres of developed parkland offering passive and active recreation opportunities including playgrounds, pathways, a multi-purpose grass field, picnic areas, parking lots, and a community farm for children (i.e., Animal Assisted Happiness [AAH]), see Attachment A Park Map. There are two parking lots on the project site: one that contains 180 parking spaces, and one that contains 165 parking spaces. The park gate is open every day from 8 a.m. to one half hour after sunset.
To the north and east of the active use portion of the Baylands Park, 105 acres are protected as the Sunnyvale Baylands Wetlands Preserve (Baylands Preserve), which provides habitat for sensitive plants and wildlife. Baylands Park is bordered to the north by the approximately 60-acre Twin Creeks Sport Complex, to the west by Caribbean Drive, and to the south by State Route 237. The park is owned by the County of Santa Clara, it is operated and maintained by the City of Sunnyvale, which has a joint-use agreement with the County for this property. The City of Sunnyvale would be responsible for review and approval consideration of the proposed project.
Project Description
Silicon Valley Cricket Group (SVCG) is a local group that facilitates logistics and facilities for Cricket Franchises across the United Station. SVCG proposes to build a professional-level cricket Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 2 Environmental Considerations facility at the Baylands Park. The proposed cricket facility would include circular natural grass field.
The southern side of the field would be surrounded by a 500-seat viewing stand and the western side of the field would be surrounded by a 3,500-person capacity grass berm. The proposed project would also include a 10,000 square foot space for player changing rooms, concessions, and a press room.
No field lighting is required, with the exception of minimal security lighting. Temporary canopies may be used for shade over the seating areas. The maximum height of the facility is estimated at 45 feet with ground disturbance to a maximum of five feet below grade for support structures.
The project proposes to construct 400 additional parking spaces on the site. This would increase the total parking on-site, including the existing 475 spaces, to 875 total parking spaces. SVCG anticipates entering into parking agreements with the adjacent Twin Creeks Sports Complex and neighboring corporate parking lots for overflow parking.
SVCG expects roughly 15-16 professional games per year, which would take place on weekend afternoons for three to four hours, maximum, starting at about 3-3:30 pm. Eight major cricket events are anticipated (over six weekends) with a crowd of between 3,000 and 4,000. The initial spectator size is expected to be around 2,000 and is anticipated to increase up to 4,000 over a two to three-year period. Other local sports groups including academies, youth leagues, and other organizations might use the facility during weekdays and are not expected to attract more than 100 visitors. It is possible in the winter months that other community sports groups, such as soccer, may be able to use the fields.
Refer to Attachment B for the proposed site plan.
Environmental Issues and CEQA Document Approach
Below is a summary of the environmental conditions and constraints based on a review of available information for the site:
Air Quality
There are no nearby sensitive residential users that could be exposed to construction dust and equipment emissions. Construction is anticipated to be completed within 12 months. The project would be required to conform with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)’s guidelines and screening thresholds for construction criteria pollutants. The park project is currently below screening thresholds and is unlikely to result in significant construction air quality impacts.
Biological Resources
The project site contains six biotic habitats: California annual grassland, landscaped, ornamental woodland, barren, developed, and freshwater marsh, refer to Attachment C, Habitat Map.
There is a seasonal wetland area adjacent and to the north of the project site (within the Baylands Park). The proposed development would avoid disturbance in this area and, therefore, would not result in impacts to this seasonal wetland.
Due to the high levels of human disturbance, grasslands in the active use portion of Baylands Park do not represent high-quality habitat for the burrowing owl, and owls are unlikely to breed successfully on the site1. Nesting raptors and other migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Code Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 2800.
Raptors (such as falcons, hawks, eagles, and owls) and other migratory birds may utilize the large
1 HT Harvey & Associates. Burrowing Owl Habitat Suitability and Opportunities Report . February 2014.
Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 3 Environmental Considerations trees on-site or adjacent to the site for foraging or nesting. Construction disturbance near raptor nests can result in the incidental loss of fertile eggs or nestlings, or otherwise lead to nest abandonment.
Scheduling of construction activities to avoid the nesting bird season (February 1st through August 31st) or preconstruction nesting bird surveys would reduce impacts to nesting birds to a less-than- significant level.
The project site is located adjacent to the marshland and in proximity to the bay, a project-specific biological resources report is recommended as part of the future environmental analysis. This could identify additional animal species of concern and mitigation measures required to avoid those species.
A small segment of a freshwater marsh is located on the site in a depressional swale in the southern portion of the active use area of Baylands Park. This wetland is fed by artificial hydrology, and is watered throughout the dry season, allowing it to support hydrophytic plant species (i.e., species that prefer perennially inundated soils) such as cattails, smartweed, and tall flatsedge. The freshwater marsh habitat at Baylands Park is extremely limited in extent (i.e., 0.29 ac), is highly disturbed, and provides very little habitat for marsh-specialist species. Regardless, any filling of this area should be surveyed by a professional biologist to determine if the areas to be filled are considered waters of the U.S. under the Clean Water Act and Regional Water Quality Control Board. There are no features on Baylands Park that are tidal or are located within the 100-ft shoreline band.
Development of a cricket facility on the site would necessitate trimming and removing existing trees, including riparian trees. Mitigation planting would be required by California Department of Fish and Wildlife for any tree removals within the marsh area and replacement of ordinance sized trees would be required through City Ordinance.
Cultural Resources
There are no known archaeological resources on the site. Areas adjacent to creeks are typically sensitive to archaeological resources. For this reason, a literature review at the Sonoma State Northwest Information Center and Native American consultation are recommended to determine if there are recorded archaeological sites that could be affected by project construction. If it is determined that a recorded site could be affected, archaeological testing and/or monitoring could be required during site excavation and grading activities. This will be determined during future environmental analysis for the project. Mitigation measures could be included in the project to reduce potential impacts to archaeological resources.
Hazardous Materials
Construction of the cricket facility would require excavation and grading as a part of construction.
Based on the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Geotracker database, Baylands Park is not included on a list of hazardous materials sites complied pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and there are no contaminated or hazardous materials sites within 1,000 feet of the site, see Attachment D. Thus, development of the project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment.
Hydrology and Water Quality
The proposed project would alter the site’s existing drainage and would disturb soil on the site. This could increase erosion and stormwater runoff by increasing the impervious surface area, however, the project would reduce impacts through compliance under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge stormwater to local surface waters. The Municipal Regional Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 4 Environmental Considerations Stormwater Permit (MRP) mandates that co-permittees, including the City, use their planning and development review authority to require stormwater management measures such as site design, pollutant source control and treatment control measures. The MRP requires regulated projects to incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) practices, which are intended to reduce runoff and mimic a site’s predevelopment hydrology by minimizing disturbed areas and impervious cover and then infiltrating, storing, detaining, evapotranspiring, and/or biotreating stormwater runoff close to its source. The MRP also requires that stormwater treatment measures are properly installed, operated and maintained.
The State Water Resources Control Board has implemented an NPDES General Construction Permit for the State of California. The future project would be required to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the RWQCB to obtain coverage under the General Permit for Discharges of Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) would be developed by a certified Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) prior to commencement of construction.
Once grading begins, the SWPPP would be kept on-site and updated as needed while construction progresses. The SWPPP details the site-specific BMPs to control erosion and sedimentation and maintain water quality during the construction phase. The SWPPP also contains a summary of the structural and non-structural BMPs to be implemented during the post-construction period. BMPs would be identified as mitigation measures in the future environmental analysis.
Land Use
The project site has a General Plan designation of Public Facility and is zoned Public Facility, which is consistent with the propose cricket facility use.
Noise
Construction activities are anticipated to be completed within one year and would not exceed noise acceptability thresholds. The project would be required to conform to the City’s Municipal Code related to construction hours (e.g., 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday). Adjacent park uses are the only sensitive receptors near the project site. The project site is not located adjacent to residential uses. Adherence to City standards for potential noise impacts during project construction would ensure potential noise impact would be less than significant.
The project proposes approximately 15-16 professional games per year, which would take place on weekend afternoons for three to four hours, maximum, starting at about 3-3:30 pm. Eight major cricket events are anticipated (over six weekends) with a crowd of between 3,000 and 4,000. The existing site includes active recreational uses which generate noise primarily during weekend hours.
As part of the future environmental analysis, it is recommended, an acoustical study be completed to confirm the proposed uses would not substantially impact adjacent sensitive receptors.
Transportation
As mentioned previously, the project proposes approximately 15-16 professional games per year, which would take place on weekend afternoons for three to four hours, starting around 3-3:30 pm.
Eight major cricket events are anticipated (over six weekends) with a crowd of between 3,000 and 4,000. Baylands Park is adjacent to the Moffett Park business park, which is the primary source of traffic in the project area. Since most businesses are closed on weekends, traffic is unlikely to be a problem for weekend events.
Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 5 Environmental Considerations Although parking is not an environmental issue under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a parking analysis was completed by Hexagon Transportation Consultants for informational purposes. The cricket facility would need about 1,300 parking spaces for an event with an attendance of 4,000 people. Baylands Park, with extra parking provided by the cricket field, could supply up to 875 spaces. Thus, about 425 parking spaces would be needed off site. The Twin Creeks Sports Complex could provide 425 parking spaces for the cricket field events depending on the schedule and depending on their willingness to lease spaces. Also, 425 spaces could be provided within the Moffett Park business park, again depending on the willingness of business owners to offer their spaces for lease.
Conclusion
In summary, due to the small development footprint and anticipated minimal impacts the proposed project is not anticipated to result in any significant impacts that cannot be mitigated to a less-than- significant level. Based on the available information, the appropriate CEQA review document would be an Initial Study leading to a Mitigated Negative Declaration. As part of the CEQA review, supplemental technical reports may be required, including the following:
Biological Resources Report
Cultural Resources Literature Search
Acoustical Study
Pre-construction surveys for nesting raptors and other migratory birds would be required for the project. Additional surveys for special status species, archaeological resources and noise could be required, depending upon the results of the CEQA analysis and technical reports. With the inclusion of mitigation measures and conformance with City Municipal Code requirements, impacts during construction and operation of the project would be expected to be reduced to a less-than-significant level.
Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 6 Environmental Considerations Attachments:
Attachment A
Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 7 Environmental Considerations Attachment B
Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 8 Environmental Considerations Attachment C
Attachment 2
Cricket Stadium Baylands Park Study 9 Environmental Considerations Attachment D
Attachment 2