Grapevine is known by residents and visitors alike for drawing huge crowds to its festivals and many attractions. However, one thing it may not be not known for is attracting people to the city for the game of cricket.

If a cricket organization’s plans come to fruition, however, that might change.

Last fall, Grapevine city staff approved a site plan for the city’s first outdoor cricket facility that will feature three cricket fields, a wicket practice area, locker rooms, a storage building and a covered viewing area. On Jan. 19 city staff also approved lighting and a 9,600-square-foot tent/canopy structure that can accommodate 450 spectators.

Kumaran Thirunavukkarasu, founder of Texas Cricket Academy, said the Grapevine facility, which will sit on approximately 20 acres along Foxfire Lane and belong to the organization, will be TCA’s first fields as well as the first facility in the U.S. for high-performance cricket training when it opens.

“We chose Grapevine because it is right in the center of the Metroplex and close to the airport,” he said. “Since we don’t have our own fields we have been using multiple fields in cities such as Lewisville, Irving and Farmers Branch.”

Founded in 2013, TCA aims to promote youth cricket in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. There are currently more than 100 cricketers who are participating in TCA’s weekend and one-on-one programs. Thirunavukkarasu said once the fields are open he expects that number to increase.

He said a majority of TCA’s players are under the age of 16, with the youngest one being 6 years old.

Although there will be adult competitions played on the fields, Thirunavukkarasu said the main focus is on coaching and promoting youth cricket.

He said the plan is to have the facility operational by June.

For more information on how to join TCA, visit www.txcricket.com.