South Australia's home of women's cricket, Karen Rolton Oval, will receive $5 million from the Malinauskas Government toward a $10 million upgrade.
The upgrade, including to lighting and spectator terraces, are an important part of the South Australian Cricket Association's masterplan for turning the oval into a world class sporting precinct.
As well as being the home of women's cricket, Karen Rolton Oval plays a vital role more broadly, supporting elite competition, player pathways, football and a large number of community events.
The project includes the installation new 1500lux lights to meet the new Australian standard for domestic cricket, and the terracing will provide much needed seating for both spectators and everyday community use.
The existing 750lux lights will be relocated to Oval 2, providing an additional lit oval for both cricket and community sport.
The new accessible terracing will be built on the currently steep and inaccessible Eastern embankment and will include landscaping similar to Park 25.
Women's cricket continues to grow at an extraordinary pace with more women and girls participating at local clubs, schools and in elite competition.
The upgrades to Karen Rolton Oval are central to sustaining this remarkable growth in the game among women and girls by providing equitable, high-quality facilities.
As a Tier 2 ground, Karen Rolton Oval is also able to be used for major events, including international tournaments, when Adelaide Oval is unavailable.
The project will be completed in time for the Australian women's team to play two ODIs against New Zealand under lights at this venue for the first time.
As put by Rhiannon Pearce
Karen Rolton Oval is such a great venue, ideally located in the heart of the city, and these works will take it to a whole new level.
It's fundamental that we have appropriate facilities to cater for the increased interest and participation in women and girls' cricket and we are pleased to partner with SACA to deliver this.
The Malinauskas Government is determined to get kids off screens and into organised sport and other activities and this requires this type of investment.
As put by Will Rayner, SACA Chairman and President
This investment in Karen Rolton Oval is a major step forward for women's cricket in South Australia — not only for the professional game, but for community and junior cricket.
The upgraded lights will enhance night matches and lift the experience for players, fans and broadcasters alike, while ensuring this venue serves the next generation of cricketers.
It reflects a strong shared commitment with the State Government to providing world class facilities and growing the game at every level.
