Century Cricket Centre to open first U.S. location near Bryant Park in 14,000 s/f lease

Manhattan, NY Century Cricket Centre, an Australian-backed indoor cricket and sports-tech concept, will open its first U.S. location in a 14,000 s/f at 25 W. 39^th St. near Bryant Park following a 15-year lease arranged by Lee & Associates NYC.

The new Centre will occupy the entire fourth floor of the Thor Equities-owned property and is expected to open in a few months.  The location will introduce Century Cricket Centre’s technology-driven approach to cricket training, development and engagement to the U.S. market, combining indoor batting facilities with interactive technology designed to create an experience similar to the tech-enabled model that has helped popularize indoor golf concepts.

The company is planning a broader expansion in the U.S., with the potential to open as many as 30 locations over the coming years, particularly in markets with strong existing interest in cricket.

“Cricket has an enormous global following, but very little penetration in the U.S. There is very little access for people can play, practice and experience the sport in an accessible indoor environment,” said Josh Lebowitz of Lee & Associates NYC. “Century Cricket Centre saw an opportunity to bring a sport with an enormous and passionate following to New York and ultimately to other markets across the country. Bryant Park is an ideal place to introduce the brand, with a central location and  great accessibility within Manhattan.”

Lebowitz and Brad Schwartz of Lee & Associates NYC represented Century Cricket Centre in the transaction. Thomas Capuano of Okada & Company represented Thor Equities.

The selection of 25 W. 39^th St. also creates a connection between the building’s history and its newest technology-focused tenant. The historic property was originally developed as the Engineering Societies’ Building and has longstanding ties to engineering and innovation, including Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.

“Century Cricket Centre is fundamentally a sports-tech business, so there is a nice synergy between what they are creating and the history of this building as a place associated with engineering, technology and invention,” Lebowitz said. “Not to mention, there is a Squash Club on the fifth floor creating additional synergies.  It’s a great example of the kinds of experiential concepts that can bring a completely new use and audience to traditional Manhattan commercial space.”

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, with a particularly large following across South Asia, Australia, the United Kingdom and other international markets. Interest in the sport has also been growing in the U.S., creating an opportunity for concepts designed to make cricket more accessible to both experienced players and newcomers.