Drop-in wicket nursery to bring TIO Stadium closer to hosting international cricket
Close to $1m has been invested into TIO Stadium bringing the NT one step closer to hosting international games, particularly the Australian men’s side. Find out what’s happening.
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The NT government has invested close to $1m into TIO Stadium to help the NT secure future international cricket matches for the first time in more than a decade.
The investment includes a $280,000 nursery to curate drop-in cricket pitches at TIO Stadium, which will eventually store three wickets.
The nursery will allow for the easier transition of pitches in and out of TIO Stadium and is a major step towards international cricket returning to the NT.
The Australian men’s team is a particular focus of Cricket NT, with the infrastructure improvements to make the most of an opportunity to host the side within the next two years.
Other works at TIO Stadium are underway to make it a better venue for spectators including a $113,000 investment to upgrade pathway lighting.
The government has also dedicated $91,166 towards the PA system, $56,689 to paint and change tables in the men’s bathroom and $51,762 to install three new bollards and upgraded distribution board.
There will be a further $400,000 investment for the operational costs to support hosting events at TIO Stadium.
It comes ahead of the Top End T20 series, which will be played on the drop in wickets at TIO Stadium and is set to include some significant cricketing teams.
Drop in pitches were introduced to the oval for the 2023 series, the first time cricket was played there in 15 years.
NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said investments in international sports such as cricket would put the NT on the map as a sporting destination.
“It’s absolutely critical that there’s continued investment in TIO Stadium and that it genuinely becomes a multisport venue,” he said.
“There’s a genuine opportunity to bring the Australian men’s team here in 2025 and 2026 and we know Cricket Australia are looking at Darwin.
“It’s really important that we can demonstrate that we have built the infrastructure and that we have the capability and are ready to host that level of cricket.
“The Top End T20 cricket series will be played here on the two drop in wickets at TIO Stadium and will include some of the biggest T20 teams and biggest cricket nations in the world.”
Sports Minister Kate Worden said the upgrades were necessary to ensure TIO Stadium continued to be seen as the “jewel in the crown at Marrara”.
“Our investments ensure Territorians have access to elite-level sports facilities through investments like this,” she said.
“The upgrades to the pitch and facilities at TIO Stadium not only mean Territory cricketers can play on world-class pitches, but we can host national and international games in the future.
“Having drop in pitches at TIO Stadium means Territory cricket fans can watch the next generation of Australian stars at Darwin’s premier sporting facility.”
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