Bermuda will become one of the first two countries to play in an official ODI at the newly-built Sir Viv Richards Stadium in St.John’s, Antigua in a little over two weeks time.

Bermuda take on World Cup Group B rivals Bangladesh and Americas rivals Canada at the brand new 13,000 seat, $21-million facility on February 25 and 26.

And national coach Gus Logie hopes some of the legendary West Indies’ batsman’s magic will rub off on his team as they head to Antigua on February 19 buoyed from an inspiring five-wicket World Cricket League win over Scotland in Kenya in their previous outing.

“I think just the fact it’s named after him should inspire players when they get there to try and perform anything close to what he has done,” said Logie of his former West Indies’ team-mate who scored a memorable century at Somerset Cricket Club representing his native Antigua in 1984.

“Sir Viv is someone who has given so much, not only to West Indies cricket, but also to world cricket. He’s been an icon in the sport, and it’s only fitting that something is in his memory.

“And those of us who get the opportunity to play in that place should cherish that. This is quite interesting because it’s been a first for Bermuda who have been creating a lot of history over the last few months. I think it’s incredible to be among the first to grace this venue and at the end of the day I hope we can perform there to the high standards that are expected of us.”

Logie, who cracked a sparkling century (130) against India in the Caribbean in 1983, is currently putting the Island’s 15-member World Cup squad through their paces in preparation for this month’s triangular series in Antigua.

The squad are training daily with morning net sessions scheduled at BHS school gym before hitting the irons in the afternoon at the Olympic Club.

Bermuda depart for Antigua next Monday to allow themselves ample time to make any necessary adjustments and acclimatise to the local conditions.

“As you realise its very difficult to get any outdoor practise here at this point in time, and that makes it very difficult. The indoor (facility) is fine, but we do need to be outside doing a lot more work in terms of fielding and getting the guys out in the middle,” Logie explained.

“So we are looking forward to going there and having a few days to practise and play in a friendly game if its possible.”

The Sir Viv Richards Stadium, meanwhile, boasts two grand stands with a permanent capacity of 10,000 fixed seats and an additional 3,000 on the grounds — with another eight thousand temporary seats to be added for the World Cup Super-8 matches to be played at the ground between March 27 and April 9.