Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Quieter future for the WACA with redevelopment still planned

Quieter future for the WACA with redevelopment still planned
December 18, 2017

Christina Matthews, Chief Executive of the Western Australian Cricket Association, has conceded that the 20,000-capacity WACA ground is unlikely to host much international cricket in the future amid the imminent opening of the new Optus Stadium.

The 60,000-seat, state-of-the-art Optus Stadium is due to open on 28th January with a one-day international match between Australia and England.

With the third Test of the Ashes concluded at the famous venue earlier today (Monday 18th December), Matthews said the final decision on whether the WACA Ground would host similar-calibre matches in the future would be made by Cricket Australia.

Matthews told the ABC “at this stage we’ll be working on what’s best for cricket fans in WA, not what’s best for the ground.

“We’ve got great plans for the ground that are outside Test cricket and international cricket, so we’re quite happy with the future. But most importantly, we’ve got to be able to say hand on heart that we want the best cricket at the best ground for the fans and the players.

“The traditionalists obviously love cricket here. This Test has been fantastic for people being involved and loving the Test. I haven’t heard any people to be honest saying ‘It’s terrible they’re going, this is where it should be played.’ Everybody’s looking forward to something new and exciting.

“We’re lucky on the 28th of January, we’ve got the first ODI, and that will really give us a good idea of what the future’s going to hold.”

Once Optus Stadium is open, the WACA is expected to become a more community-focused facility, hosting local cricket matches and West Australian AFL fixtures.

Matthews added “this is the home of cricket, forevermore. Sheffield Shield, one-day domestic, our women’s 50-over games, WBBL. But more importantly it’s going to be a ground that’s more available to the community.

“We’ll look to build high performance facilities, indoor centre that can be used when it’s raining, recovery facilities, swimming pool, that all the cricket community can use. At the moment we’re restricted because of the facilities we’ve got here and the overlay of international cricket. So it’s going to be a brilliant facility for the cricket community and the broader community. We’re open to sharing those facilities with other sports.”

7th December 2017 - PLANS FOR WACA TO BE REDEVELOPED AS ‘BOUTIQUE’ CRICKET VENUE

25th November 2017 - ASHES SERIES TO DELIVER AUSTRALIAN TOURISM BOOST 

20th November 2017 - ONE DAY CRICKET INTERNATIONAL TO BE FIRST SPORTING FIXTURE AT PERTH’S OPTUS STADIUM

20th November 2017 - FANS INVADE PITCH AND REMOVE TURF AFTER LAST GAME AT DOMAIN STADIUM

24th August 2017 - CRICKET AUSTRALIA CANCELS 3,000 SCALPED TICKETS FOR PERTH ASHES TEST 

12th May 2017 - WACA TO HOST DECEMBER ASHES TEST 

9th February 2017 - AFL CLUBS TO COMMIT TO GAMES AT NEW PERTH STADIUM 

17th September 2016 - WACA EXECUTIVE NAMED WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S NOT FOR PROFIT LEADER OF THE YEAR

3rd September 2015 - WACA TO LOSE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL GAMES TO NEW PERTH STADIUM

 


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

IEDM

iEDM integrate Design, Engineering and Delivery Management services to convert existing spaces into exciting new entertainment venues. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals with diverse…

read more

Consultants / Design

 
 

24/7 Software

The world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…

read more

Entertainment / Security / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

AlphaFit

AUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Quayclean

Quayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Surfaces / Venues

 
 

Sportybots

We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…

read more

Fitness / Play / Recreation / Sport / Wellness

 
 

ProSlide Technology

ProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Felton Industries

Felton Industries is Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of quality outdoor furniture and has been supplying premium seating solutions for all sporting, commercial, community…

read more

Parks / Play / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

The Pool Enclosure Company

Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business