$1.32 million investment to upgrade change rooms and carparking at DXC Arena, which hosts more than 1,000 cricket and AFL games each year.
Female-friendly, modern facilities to boost participation, particularly for women and girls, and strengthen year-round community sport.
Improvements will enhance major event capacity and patron safety ahead of the return of International Test Cricket in 2026.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the Territory lifestyle, with $1.32 million in funding awarded to Northern Territory Cricket to upgrade change rooms and the carpark at DXC Arena.
The funding will support the implementation of the DXC Arena Masterplan, delivering modern, female-friendly change rooms and improved amenities to support year-round participation and growth in the sport.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said investing in quality community sporting infrastructure is central to rebuilding the Territory lifestyle and getting more Territorians active.
"DXC Arena is more than just a cricket ground - it's a year-round community hub," Mr Charls said.
"These upgrades will ensure DXC Arena continues to meet the needs of our growing sporting community, particularly women and girls, by delivering modern, inclusive facilities that support participation at every level and across multiple sports."
DXC Arena is a multi-sport facility used throughout the year, with cricket in the dry season and AFL during the wet season, ensuring the precinct remains active and accessible across codes and competitions.
"From local cricket competitions to wet season footy this facility plays a vital role in keeping Territorians connected, active and engaged."
The funding will also deliver important improvements to the carpark, increasing capacity for major events, improving patron safety and addressing wet season impacts that have affected access to the site.
"Upgrading the carpark will ensure DXC Arena can safely and efficiently host large crowds, particularly as we prepare for an exciting year of cricket ahead."
2026 is set to be a landmark year for the sport in the Territory, with the return of International Test Cricket in August building on the success of the 2025 cricketing program.
"By backing local sport and delivering practical upgrades to community facilities, we are restoring the Territory lifestyle and creating more opportunities for Territorians to get involved, stay active and be part of something bigger," said Mr Charls.
Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said:
"DXC Arena hosts over 1000 cricket and AFL matches every year, from Woolworths Cricket Blast and AUS Kick programs to local DDCC and NTFL club competitions, right through to visiting men's and women's international cricket teams.
"In 2025 DXC Arena welcomed both the Australian Women's Cricket Team and the Australian Men's Team with an Intellectual Disability, and unfortunately change rooms built in 1993 are just not up to standard and don't meet their basic needs.
"Cricket in the Territory is thriving at the moment with more females playing the game than ever before. Many of our community are young girls and mothers, and thanks to this investment by the Northern Territory Government we can finally start to provide them safe, accessible and fit for purpose parking and change room facilities."
