Putting Newcastle on the national cricket map

City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind the second stage of planned improvements to Newcastle's No.1 Sportsground, which would deliver the upgrades required to host elite national level competition.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the $20 million project builds on City of Newcastle's ongoing investment into city's premier sportsground, with a vision to attract men's and women's domestic first-class cricket and Big Bash League matches, as well as high level AFL fixtures.

"City of Newcastle is committed to the major redevelopment of No.1 Sportsground, which will transform the facility into a modern venue able to cater for the needs of local, regional and elite-level sporting fixtures," Mr Bath said.

"In 2022 we completed an $8 million refurbishment, which included major upgrades to the field of play, lighting and seating capacity.

"At that time we said government grants would be required to deliver the second stage of this development, which includes a two-storey addition at the rear of the existing grandstand to provide upgraded amenities for players, officials and spectators.

"We have been working with Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia for a number of years to develop this proposal to complete the facility's transformation, with lighting, media and spectator upgrades that would make No.1 Sportsground a destination for top level sport across a range of codes, including cricket and AFL."

Proposed improvements to No.1 Sportsground include:

• Enhanced player and match official amenity, including upgraded changerooms and new turf training pitches.
• Improved fan experiences, featuring new entry points, shaded seating and upgraded restrooms with enhanced accessibility for females and people with disabilities.
• Upgraded media and broadcast infrastructure, including enhanced lighting to meet the 1500 LUX standard required for live broadcast and streaming.
• Multipurpose spaces that would be utilised as community rooms outside of match days. 

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said securing a commitment from the Australian Government for the Newcastle project was one of their top national priorities ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.  

“The cricket community in Newcastle, along with the City of Newcastle, Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, have identified the enormous benefits these improvements to Newcastle No.1 Sportsground would bring in inspiring everyone to play and love cricket,” Mr Germon said.

“If the facilities for the players, fans and our broadcast partners are able to get to an acceptable level with a capacity up to 15,000 people, Newcastle No.1 could become a second home venue for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL. 

“An upgraded Newcastle No.1 could also be utilised as a multi-sport, multi-purpose facility. Therefore, we call on the Federal candidates in Newcastle to commit their support ahead of the May 3 election."

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Advisory Committee Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project would deliver wide-ranging benefits. 

"We have been working collaboratively with cricket and AFL for a number of years on the revitalisation of No.1 Sportsground for the benefit of players and spectators," Cr Winney-Baartz said.

"This project will not only deliver enhanced facilities for those within our community who utilise it for grassroots and regional level sport, but will also have a wider-reaching impact on Newcastle’s economy through its potential to attract and host major sporting events."

Councillor Peter Gittins, who sits on City of Newcastle's Liveable Cities committee, welcomed the plans and the backing of Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia.

“I remember fondly the time when Newcastle's No.1 Sportsground was a premier sporting venue. Not only was there the rugby league match of the day every Saturday but the ground played host to numerous touring league and cricket teams. The crowds were large, the atmosphere electric and the ground itself was always immaculate and a Newcastle icon,” Cr Gittins said.

“As a city with such a proud sporting tradition, Newcastle deserves a venue that will enable it to host first-class cricket including Sheffield Shield, the Marsh Cup and the Women's National Cricket League as well as extending its AFL arm. 

“The time has come for our No.1 Sportsground to regain the crown as a sporting venue of the highest order and, in so doing, return top quality sport to what was once its natural home in the region.”