Future of Cricket at the WACA

[GoEagles]

What does everyone think about Cricket's long term future (both domestically and internationally) at the WACA Ground?

There has been increasing debate regarding the WACA becoming a white elephant in Perth - as it hosts no other sporting events or concerts (has only hosted a boat expo this year). There is speculation that a long term option would be to knock down the WACA and Glouster Park - so a multi-purpose stadium could be built for Rugby, Athletics and Cricket.

It seems to me that the ground is almost too small for International Cricket (the one dayers and test matches usually sell out in advance) while for Domestic Cricket the ground looks horribly empty with only 500 odd people at the games.

Should WA follow Victoria and adopt a Punt Road suburban type venue for domestic games?

[crudbucket]

Perth has a fantastic facility, why would anyone want to see it torn down ?

[wagstaff]

Originally posted by GoEagles


It seems to me that the ground is almost too small for International Cricket (the one dayers and test matches usually sell out in advance)



I actually think the problem for the WACA is the opposite as I don't think it has a reputation as a particularly high-drawing venue for international cricket. Sure, it's had big crowds and sellouts in the last few years but that has been mainly due to the success and appeal of the Aust side; crowds have increased at every international venue.

I can remember that crowds were pretty sparse for Test matches there regulary in the early to mid 1990's - even against bigger drawcards like the Windies.

The crowds for the final Test of the Aust v NZ series in November 2001 were pretty ordinary, especially considering that either side going into the match could still win the series (the only time that there has been an occurence in an Aust Test series in the last 10 years). I expect the crowds for the Zimbabwe test in a few weeks time to be ordinary as well.

And the fact that the WACA is missing out on a Test against the big drawcard of India is a sign of where it is in the pecking order of Aust Test venues - about a decade ago it probably had equal status with the Gabba but the Brisbane ground has shot well ahead of it for various reasons.

[GoEagles]

Originally posted by wagstaff

And the fact that the WACA is missing out on a Test against the big drawcard of India is a sign of where it is in the pecking order of Aust Test venues - about a decade ago it probably had equal status with the Gabba but the Brisbane ground has shot well ahead of it for various reasons.

I totally agree with you on this. The WACA would be below every other state apart from Tasmania on priority test matches on the Cricket Australia calendar these days.

I can't see big crowds turning up to the Zimbabwe test match, but I can't really blame people. Firstly this is Zimbabwe - they don't even have the Flower brothers playing! Secondly, the second week of October is NOT Cricket Season in my books. They will be playing an International Rules series the following week in Perth.

But give us a December test against India and I'm sure we could pack out the ground.

[My North]

play the footy back at the WACA again. Did up until a few years ago, but I dont know why they dont want to fixture games there. Maybe West Coast and Fremantle dont want to play there.

[DaveW]

Originally posted by My North
play the footy back at the WACA again. Did up until a few years ago, but I dont know why they dont want to fixture games there. Maybe West Coast and Fremantle dont want to play there. They only played night games there because Subiaco didn't have floodlights.

[Hoggy]

Originally posted by My North
play the footy back at the WACA again. Did up until a few years ago, but I dont know why they dont want to fixture games there. Maybe West Coast and Fremantle dont want to play there.

They reconfigured the ground as well so it is more of a rugby ground than a football sized ground now.

[stmookeyj]

I guess while the WACA still own the ground then I'm guessing that cricket will remain there for the forseeable future.

As for knocking down Gloucester Park, well that's ridiculous. Remember, that is Perth's only harness racing facility that has also been used for Rally Australia this year.

[GoEagles]

Originally posted by stmookeyj
I guess while the WACA still own the ground then I'm guessing that cricket will remain there for the forseeable future.

As for knocking down Gloucester Park, well that's ridiculous. Remember, that is Perth's only harness racing facility that has also been used for Rally Australia this year.

Rally Australia can be moved back to Langley Park - they only held it in early September at Gloucester was because of the track conditions.

[fitzmantle]

The WACA is a joke. No matter what you do, some bloke will tell you your not allowed.
I went last year (Eng v Sri Lanka)and it was 40 degrees with no shade. At one stage there was about 2 square feet of shade but you werent allowed to stand there.
They had 2 people working in the bar, then one of the taps broke down. The line was huge.
People were being evicted for having a good time.

[Rob]

This proposed multi-purpose stadium for cricket, rugby and athletics - definitely not going to happen. If cricket wants a bigger ground for internationals it can use Subiaco, rugby can use the soccer ground being built (with Subiaco for internationals), and who gives a fat rats clacker about athletics anyway? Certainly not spectators, so they don't need a facility that holds many people. What idiot is going to pay for a new multi purpose facility that no-one really needs? And add the cost of building a new trotting facility somewhere.

There is no possible way that any AFL will be back there. As a football ground, the WACA was a complete and utter abomination. A complete disgrace for any football fan that has had the displeasure of going there. But since it's redevelopment, it's a pretty good cricket ground. The angle of the lower level seats has risen considerably, there are grass banks for those that like sitting there and the facilities generally are better. But there is a lot of shade lacking. It's about the right size for test matches, arguably a bit small for the ODI's. But they can be put at Subiaco if the WACA wants more seats.

It is certainly a white elephant and remains the most underutilised major cricket ground in Australia, but that's simply because domestic cricket can not attract bums on seats. Without other sports (usually Australian football), the other cricket grounds in Australia would be just as bad.

[stmookeyj]

Originally posted by GoEagles
Rally Australia can be moved back to Langley Park - they only held it in early September at Gloucester was because of the track conditions.

And rally Australia is going to stay in the September date in the next few years.

Besides, would the WACA want to pay substantial rent to the WAFC for using Subi? I think not.

[Streaker]

Originally posted by stmookeyj
And rally Australia is going to stay in the September date in the next few years.

In a major restructure of the Rally Championship, Rally Australia will be held in November next year. The format has changed from 14 races to 16 and the Australian leg will be the final Rally on the calendar.

[GoEagles]

Originally posted by stmookeyj
And rally Australia is going to stay in the September date in the next few years.

Besides, would the WACA want to pay substantial rent to the WAFC for using Subi? I think not.

Yep I was under the impression Rally Australia was being pushed back.

And I couldn't see the WACA management pay the WAFC to use Subiaco Oval (unless they need another venue if Australia hosted the 2011 World Cup)

[Streaker]

With the demise of the Burswood Dome and the proposed building of a 15 000 seat stadium to host the Hopman Cup, The Wildcats and concert events the WACA will find it harder to attract major events.

http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,7321896%255E2761,00.html

[Rob]

Originally posted by West Coast Stre
With the demise of the Burswood Dome and the proposed building of a 15 000 seat stadium to host the Hopman Cup, The Wildcats and concert events the WACA will find it harder to attract major events.


I think the government would prefer to just subsidise Burswood Dome than spend tens of millions on a new venue. And i'd be surprised if the Wildcats would want to play at a venue which held 15,000 anyway. AFAIK, they are comfortable where they are.

Unless they're Queenslanders, governments generally don't spend huge dollars on sporting venues that don't get used to capacity.

[Slax]

The WACA is coming under increasing pressure from Hobart of becoming the 6th Test venue in Australia. The crowds in Perth for Trest cricket over the last decade have been poor at best. The mail I've received is that if there is a poor crowd for the Zimbabwe Test in Perth next summer (5 test series v W.I.) Perth will miss out in favour of Hobart. This maybe hard to believe but the ACB/CA will go where they make the most money.