Top cricketers join the chorus
QUEENSLAND Cricket CEO Max Walters says improved lighting for Riverway Stadium is a priority as the organisation looks to take more marquee games around the state.
Townsville fans showed there was an appetite for elite cricket in the city with strong crowds turning out for last week’s JLT One Day Cup matches featuring Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania.
But the lack of suitable broadcast lighting means hosting Big Bash League or international matches is just a pipe dream unless funding can be secured for significant upgrades.
Riverway Stadium is already an International Cricket Council accredited venue and Walters said Queensland Cricket would support any improvements such as new lighting to help bring high profile matches to Townsville.
“Riverway Stadium is an important venue for Queensland Cricket and naturally we welcome any enhancements to it,” he said.
“We work closely with the Townsville City Council and are broadly aligned on the areas where we can improve the venue, whether it is for community cricket or the hosting of matches like the JLT One Day Cup.
“Broadcast quality lighting certainly increases the opportunities for Queensland Cricket to look at the content we schedule for the venue.
“The feedback we have from the teams at Riverway Stadium this week has been positive once again and we appreciate the support that the matches have received.”
Tasmania opening batsman Ben McDermott lauded the pitch conditions at Riverway Stadium after he smashed 117 off 125 balls in his side’s win over Queensland last Saturday. But the 23- year- old agreed upgraded lights were the missing piece to make it a truly world- class cricket venue.
“Lights would really top off this facility,” McDermott said.
“I think it’s a really good wicket. It’s the same wicket we played on for three games, and it’s still a belter.
“The ground as well, it’s a nice surface and beautiful. I definitely think it could hold more games in the future. “
Queensland star Chris Lynn has also underlined the importance of playing more games in regional areas.
“It’s not just about the one or two games, it’s the build- up and the week spent up there really getting involved in the community,” Lynn said.