Australian investor chooses Vega Baja to create a European cricket centre

Orihuela Costa plans to build an international cricket stadium with nine playing pitches and an 83-room resort. The organisers aim to host the first matches in 2028.

Australian entrepreneur Daniel Weston is promoting Campo Máximo, a major sports development in Vega Baja focused on cricket and international competitions.

The project's main facility will be a cricket stadium in Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa. According to the plans presented, it will include nine playing pitches and stands with an initial capacity of around 1,000 spectators. Additional temporary or semi-permanent structures could increase capacity in the future.

Preparatory earthworks are already under way on the site, which covers approximately 28,100 square metres. The architectural design has been developed by Clavel Arquitectos, while Spanish company VORACYS is carrying out the initial site preparation.

The second part of Campo Máximo will be an 83-room resort next to Las Ramblas Golf. It will occupy a separate site, around a ten-minute drive from the stadium.

The project also includes plans for solar energy, electricity storage and more efficient water management. The organisers are considering a specially developed artificial playing surface intended to reduce maintenance costs.

The investor aims to hold the first matches in 2028, with the full complex expected to become operational in 2029. These are the project's announced target dates, not confirmed opening dates.

A new opportunity for tourism in Vega Baja

Cricket is particularly popular in the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Australia and several Commonwealth countries. In Spain, the sport remains relatively niche, although the country already has a national team and club competitions.

Campo Máximo's organisers hope to attract teams, players and spectators from different countries to Orihuela Costa. If successful, the development could generate additional business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other local services.

To achieve that, the project will need not only to complete construction but also to attract international-level competitions. For now, Campo Máximo remains an investment project under development rather than an operational European cricket centre.

If the plans are delivered, Vega Baja will gain an unusual sports facility and an opportunity to establish a new position on the international sports tourism map.