In 1979, the pavilion was ransacked during a riot. A visiting World Series team cowered in their changing room, wearing their helmets for protection.
Dead wicket
The frequent flooding has had the effect of deadening the Bourda wicket over the years, leading to a high percentage of drawn games and high individual scores.
New Zealanders Glenn Turner and Trevor Jarvis put together a massive opening partnership of 387 in 1972. Turner's 259, scored over 704 minutes, remains the highest and longest test innings at the ground.
The last test was played at Bourda two years ago, when another Guyanese hero, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, scored 203 not out as the West Indies racked up a huge 543 against South Africa as another draw was played out.
With the World Cup awarded to the Caribbean, it became clear that Bourda's tired wooden structures were not suitable for the demands of the modern game and it was decided to build the new stadium.
Now Bourda dozes, waiting for the chance to show the world that it can still offer a fine cricket spectacle.
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