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Adelaide Oval primed for historic new era

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Australasia Press Office
4 December 2013

Starting Thursday, the Second Ashes cricket Test between Australia and England will be the first international game to be played on the historic ground since completion of the works.

The project includes new spectator stands and stadia structure, as well as a new ‘drop-in’ wicket designed and cultivated by Arup’s ‘Field of Play’ specialists, turf contractor StrathAyr and the ground’s curating staff.

Arup’s lead Field of Play designer, Jarrod Hill, said the works amounted to a significant improvement of the Adelaide Oval playing surface and were necessary for the ground’s new dual-purpose capability.

“

The drop-in wicket is an important part of the new dual-purpose capability. It means the wicket can be prepared offsite during winter and laid as soon as the AFL season is over, in time for first-class cricket as early as October. A lot of care and attention has gone into designing the wicket, and we’re confident it will perform well in the Adelaide Test, its most important examination yet. ” Jarrod Hill Senior Engineer

As well as the design and cultivation of the new centre wicket, Arup’s upgrade of the Adelaide Oval playing surface has included a new turf profile, irrigation and drainage systems, and earthworks to develop a flat turf playing surface. 

Arup’s role at Adelaide Oval also includes structural, civil, fire and façade engineering to transform the current facility into a world class stadium while ensuring the heritage and culture of the original ground is maintained. 

Two new grandstands nestled under a lightweight roof will boost capacity from 34,000 to 52,000 spectators. Importantly, the design enhances the Parklands setting and maintains views towards the Cathedral past the heritage listed scoreboard.

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Adelaide Oval remains a world-class cricket venue, and is now able to host top-level AFL games, concerts and festivals. This has all been achieved while keeping the spectator experience at the centre of the design. ” Charlie Benson Principal, Arup

Work will be completed in time for the start of the AFL season in March 2014.

+ Download the Field of Play fact sheet (.PDF, 119KB).