The Hundred brings kids' dream cricket stadium to life in Minecraft

LONDON, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With the help of 10 imaginative children, The Hundred, cricket's newest competition which fuses blockbuster entertainment with world-class cricket, has unveiled an immersive stadium build in the world's biggest sandbox video game, Minecraft. 

A boundary moat filled with sea creatures was a popular design element, inspired by Samuel, aged 12.

Minecraft-loving kids across the country were invited to take part in The Hundred's 'Every Block Counts' competition, tasked with designing their ultimate cricket stadium experience with no limits on what it could contain.  

The aspiring young Minecrafters' entries were imaginative and the top 10 designs included everything required for the virtual stadium. Built in Minecraft space, the world features a see-through wicket, rollercoaster, rainbow arch, sea creature moat and rooftop nature garden. This is the first ever sports stadium built in the world-famous gaming platform through a kids competition. 

The virtual stadium world is now open for everyone to explore and interact with on PC. To download the stadium visit www.thehundred.com/every-block-counts.

Winning Children and their Entries: 

• Polly, New Malden, featuring a boundary moat and glass floors
• Ethan, Broadstairs, featuring a spaceship stadium with fireworks
• Samuel, Broadstairs, featuring a pool with sea creatures
• Rosie, Castleford, featuring disco lights
• Joe, Poulton-Le-Fylde, featuring a giant scoring hand
• Ben, Carnforth, featuring a rooftop nature garden
• Joseph, Notting Hill, featuring a huge main stage for entertainment
• Samuel, Leeds, featuring funfair elements including a rollercoaster
• Thea, Newmarket, featuring a rainbow-coloured arch
• Isaac, Bexleyheath, featuring cricket ball VIP boxes

The shortlisted winners impressed a judging panel, including Birmingham Phoenix player and gaming aficionado Issy Wong and Minecraft wiz and Founder of BlockWorks, James Delaney. 

Commenting on the launch of the world, Issy Wong said: "We've seen submissions beyond our wildest expectations and the final build truly is a blockbuster cricket stadium. It's been incredible to be part of this initiative; another first for The Hundred as it continues to push the limits in sport and entertainment." 

"As soon as I read the brief, I knew that I had to do something colourful. The arch over the stadium is a rainbow to celebrate diversity" said 12-year-old winner Thea. 8-year-old winner Rosie commented "In Minecraft your imagination can run wild! I've gone for sea creatures swimming around the pitch."  

The Hundred is back for its second year, with family-friendly blockbuster entertainment and fast-paced cricket. Men's and women's games kick off on the 3^rd and 11^th August. For more information, visit thehundred.com.