The Dunedin University Cricket Oval is currently in the process of being upgraded. This is to meet the 6000 person minimum capacity that has been set by New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) requirements for international venues.
On completion the oval will hold more than 6000 people, with the previous capacity being 3,500. Two weeks in, the upgrade is set to cost around $750,000. This will involve building a 100m retaining wall on the western side of the stadium creating seating for 3000 people, as well as adding 10,000 cubic metres of soil to the existing embankments. With an addition of temporary seating the oval will be able to hold another 4000 people. It was proposed last year for lighting to be installed at the grounds, however this $2million-plus plan was halted. Instead a focus on expanding the capacity of the venue has been deemed more valuable.
Chief Executive of Otago Cricket Mike Coggan has said, “The main reason for the upgrade is to keep pace with Hagley Park in Christchurch” and to be a “benchmark” against them. In order for the oval to keep up to standard with other cricket grounds around New Zealand it is “imperative” the upgrade is completed. “We will certainly give NZC every reason to keep bringing International Cricket to Dunedin”.
Otago Cricket has appointed the Hall Brothers as its contractor for the development. Mike Coggan expected the upgrades to be completed around mid May, however this would be weather dependent. The Dunedin City Council in partnership with Otago Cricket will engage in a bid process to have international matches played at the completed oval, and he assured these would be of higher quality than in the past two years.
For Dunedin to be considered for these higher quality games, the upgrade is a necessary step to keep the oval on par with other grounds like Hagley Park. Once completed, the potential of a 6000-plus audience for an international match will be a success for Otago Cricket, bringing cricket fans to Dunedin instead of Christchurch.