CSA Announces Extensive Stadia Infrastructure Upgrade Project

In the wake of the recently announced new T20 Global League Cricket South Africa (CSA) has earmarked more than R350 million to be invested on stadium refurbishment and upgrades over the next three years.
R200 million will be invested during the next few months on improvements like cutting-edge artificial lighting systems, advanced sports field technology and LED scoreboards, as well as revamping change-rooms and media centres.
“We want our cricket stadiums to be world-class and having recognized the need to improve our facilities, we are in a very fortunate position to be able to do so,” commented Haroon Lorgat, Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Chief Executive.
Work has already begun across the country to ensure the stadium work is completed before the start of the new season and before the much-anticipated T20 Global League tournament kicks off in November 2017.
Having engaged extensively with Stadium Managers and Member CEOs, CSA has carefully identified the actual work and the investment needed for each venue. A master plan has been prepared and the CSA Board has made funding available.
CSA espouses “safety before profits” and all venues need to comply with the Safety At Sports & Recreational Events Act (SASREA), 2010. This requires venues to obtain various certificates of compliance relating to structural compliance, electrical standards, health and safety, disaster management, and more.
“Looking ahead over the next two years, CSA are planning to implement new designs and features like improved Wi-Fi signal and reach, crowd flows and ticketing systems to enhance fan experience,” stated Lorgat.
“Our aim is for the T20 Global League to rank among the world’s best T20 leagues and enhancing the in-stadium experience of fans is essential. Thanks to the substantial investment, cricket fans can look forward to a whole new experience.
Three local municipalities – Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Port Elizabeth, Drakenstein Municipality in Paarl and Buffalo City in East London – have contributed appreciably towards the stadium refurbishment and upgrade works currently underway.
“On behalf of our CSA Board, the players and fans, I would like to express immense gratitude to the local authorities for providing much needed support to our members. This is most welcome and will go a long way to maintaining and improving our facilities.
“I also want to thank our members for their role in tackling this major project,” Lorgat concluded.
The inaugural franchise-based T20 Global League kicks off this November.
The eight franchise owners will be announced in London on 19 June 2017.
Latest
-
News
England accused of throwing Dom Bess ‘under the bus’
The spinner struggled on his return to the side.
-
News
India v England, day 2: Ben Stokes efforts fail to turn tide in England’s favour
Rishabh Pant’s remarkable century and the folly of England’s imbalanced attack left India in full control.
-
News
Brilliant Rishabh Pant century gives India stranglehold in Ahmedabad
Pant built to a brilliant 101 as he changed the complexion of the game.
-
News
I was told to ‘die in a hole’ – Alex Hartley reveals online abuse over tweet
The former England international received a barrage of abuse over a tongue-in-cheek post.
-
News
Ben Stokes removes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as England fight back
England scrapped their way back into contention as they left their opponents 153 for six, with Stokes to the fore in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Ben Stokes dismisses Virat Kohli for a duck as England battle back against India
The hosts struggled to 80 for four at lunch, with a disciplined bowling display making matters difficult in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Temba Bavuma and Dean Elgar named Proteas captains
Temba Bavuma is set to lead the Proteas in the 2021 and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups as well as the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2023
-
News
Ben Stokes admits England came up well short with the bat again in India
The tourists were skittled for 205 after winning the toss.
-
News
India v England, day 1: England left to rue familiar failings
The tourists surprised many by selecting James Anderson as their only frontline seamer.