Iconic WACA ground in Perth in danger of being sidelined

The future of WACA in Perth seems uncertain

WACA’s future as a Test match venue is unclear, with a new stadium having a capacity of 60000 people being built in Perth by 2018.

The Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) have formed a semi-independent body that is looking in detail into the problems of the ground and will come out with its report in December this year. The capacity of the WACA is just 24500, inadequate in comparison with other grounds in Australia, and it is in urgent need of a refurbishment. It has also been ignored as a venue for the 4-Test match series between Australia and India later in the year, and there is worry among the cricket authorities in Western Australia that the ground might be sidelined for some time to come.

Sam Gannon, WACA Chairman, brushed away talk of Test cricket moving away from the WACA stadium but admitted that they need to better the viewing experience if the ground is to sustain itself.

"During the past two years we have invested significant funds in facilities at the WACA Ground, but clearly we need to consider options that meet the current and future expectations of spectators and make watching cricket more enjoyable," Gannon said.

"The new Perth Stadium at Burswood will bring new options for sports such as cricket and football in this State, and how these will fit with existing facilities such as the WACA and Patersons Stadium will be important considerations."

Gannon has reiterated his commitment to the WACA and hopes to see cricket continue to thrive in the state.

"Based on historical attendance data and examples of other venues around Australia, Test Matches at the new Perth Stadium would not appear to be viable, notwithstanding the commercial terms for staging events at the new Perth Stadium are still unknown," he said.

"The review currently being conducted by Mr Smith and his committee will consider all options, including this issue and I am confident we will determine an outcome that will see cricket continue to prosper in Western Australia."

When the decision to exclude Perth from the Test match schedule this year was announced, cricket fans in the city were upset as they were missing out on seeing their cricketers in action. The WACA at Perth is considered the fastest pitch in the world and suits the Australian team perfectly. People wondered, then, whether with India being the opponents, there was an ulterior motive to the move. But Cricket Australia (CA) CEO James Sutherland suggested that the 44-year old Test match ground is not up to the standards required.

“Though a traditional Test match venue with a proud history, the WACA Ground has the smallest capacity of the five mainland Test venues and has historically attracted lower attendances," said Sutherland.

"The WACA has been working hard to improve the facilities for its fans but it still requires significant improvements."