Night-time Premier league cricket planned for Campbelltown Memorial Oval

Premier league cricket could be played under lights at a northeast Adelaide oval under a plan hatched by the local council with the South Australian Cricket Association.

East Torrens Cricket Club is looking forward to major developments being completed in time for round one in October. Picture: AAP/Bianca De Marchi

• Big plans in store for Campbelltown Memorial Oval

NIGHT-TIME Premier league cricket could be played at Campbelltown Memorial Oval under a plan hatched by the local council with assistance from the South Australian Cricket Association.

Work began in February on a $10.6 million upgrade of the oval. The project includes a two-storey community hub with changerooms, functions area, cafe, terraces, a meeting room and offices.

However the council is keen to “future-proof” lighting at the ground and will seek external funds to upgrade it to a “higher standard”.

A SACA spokesman said it had provided a letter of support to the council in its bid to attract State Government funding to install lighting that would be appropriate for district cricket games under lights.

“As with any other project that supports the growth of cricket and delivers on Australian Cricket’s infrastructure needs, relevant SACA parties often engage in discussion with stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects to assist with any advice or support that may be needed,” he said.

Council chief executive officer Paul Di Iulio told NorthEastern Weekly finer details about lighting were still to be nailed down but a procurement process had been completed.

The lighting would also complement the new practice nets and pitch square upgrades that are currently underway.

East Torrens Cricket Club was not able to use its clubrooms — which were built in the 1980s — last summer owing to the upgrades but club officials are confident of using all new facilities by round one in October.

Club president Craig Bradbrook said premium lighting was an exciting concept if it could be achieved.

“You could play Twenty20 matches and one-day matches,” he said.

“You could also have the option of turning on the lights if there’s bad light during regular matches.”

The redevelopment of Campbelltown Memorial Oval, expected to be completed by November 21, will cater for the nine sporting clubs that use the ground.

Mr Di Iulio said savings could to be found to reduce the overall cost.

However, there was also an extra $350,000 in the council’s budget if costs increased.

“We haven’t experienced any variations to date,” he said.

The upgrade has been funded by a $5 million grant from the Federal Government.