Cricket has grounds for optimism
Queensland Cricket’s boss says FNQ becomes a much more attractive option for elite cricket content with a redeveloped Griffiths Park.
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Queensland Cricket’s boss says FNQ will become far more attractive to elite cricket at a redeveloped Griffiths Park.
A $2.3m lighting upgrade is under way at the Manunda venue and designs have been revealed for a $2.5m grandstand and second-storey viewing platform.
The handful of local cricket and AFL clubs and associations involved in the project believe the new grandstand will make Griffiths Park ideal to host pre-season training for AFL clubs and even Sheffield Shield and BBL cricket.
Cazalys Stadium has hosted WBBL, Sheffield Shield and international tour games in the past few years, and is fixtured to host an Australian women’s ODI against New Zealand this year.
A new grandstand at Griffiths Park will only enhance Cairns chances of landing more elite cricket.
Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson said the Griffiths Park upgrade had been at the top of Queensland Cricket’s infrastructure priority list for some time.
“We are very pleased to be contributing to getting the first stage of this important project off the ground with our partners from Cricket Australia, Cairns Council, the Queensland Government and Cairns Cricket Association,” Svenson said.
“QC is excited by what a redeveloped Griffiths Park will be able to do for cricket in Cairns and the broader Cairns community.
“We’re going to see more local games being played on high quality grounds under lights, while also allowing for a training and playing base for touring teams.
“We see the development as having a great long-term effect for cricket in Cairns and the aspirations of the local economy.”
“QC would like to particularly thank Cr Max O’Halloran and Member for Cairns Michael Healy, for their support of this project and getting stage one underway”.
Queensland Country Cricket Association’s Kev Maher said the upgrade was overdue.
“It was 50-odd years ago since I made a debut there and some parts of it haven’t change in all that time,” he said.
“With Cazalys there and Griffiths Park floodlit to standard, there’s no reason why you couldn’t hold a WBBL tournament. That’s certainly on the drawing board.”
Rovers Cricket Club is also involved in the process to build the grandstand.
Originally published as Cricket has grounds for optimism