ALKHOBAR, 21 February 2003 — Every time Sachin Tendulkar hits a boundary, a big cheer goes up. Every time Srinath strikes a Zimbabwean wicket, the crowd breaks into thunderous applause.
But the scene is not the cricket stadium in Harare where India and Zimbabwe were playing their first round World Cup match, but the Arab News-Le Gulf Meridien Cricket Pavilion, where the match is telecast live in a complete cricketing atmosphere.
The packed pavilion is certainly the second best place to watch the ongoing ICC World Cup Cricket tournament. The pavilion is divided into two sections.
In one section people can sit, relax and watch the game on a wide screen with stereo sound. In the second section the Meridien has set up a dining facility.
The pavilion has caught the imagination of the cricket lovers of the Eastern Province and, according to Prashant Sharma, revenue manager of the hotel, people are booking seats in advance for important matches.
The cost is a minimum of SR20 per match. Spectators will be served tea or a soft drink. In addition they can order from a menu that includes burgers and salad. The hotel is also offering special packages for groups and school students. The event is organized by Arab News and Le Gulf Meridien in cooperation with Pehla (Saudi digital Distribution company), Saudi Arabian Airlines Catering, Bitumat, Asia International School and JVC. There is also a daily quiz with prizes.
