Whyalla’s first ever T20 Twilight Spectacular will see regional South Australia’s brightest lights shine the spotlight on Bennett Oval’s new turf wicket.
To be held this Friday 29 January, the free event will act as the official opening of the upgraded facilities, with local T20 teams playing back-to-back cricket games under lights for the first time at Bennett Oval.
Made possible by State Government, South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) funding – which contributed to an overall upgrade of the facility – Bennett Oval now boasts the brightest regional lighting facility and the second brightest outside of Adelaide Oval.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin was delighted with the commissioning of the lights, the final component in the $4.8m Bennett Oval redevelopment project.
“It’s wonderful to see the local league will be playing T20 back-to-back cricket games under these brilliant lights.
“I would encourage locals to come along next Friday and see these top-class facilities for themselves while supporting local sports,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
And having the brightest lighting facility in regional South Australia could prove an economic boost, with the potential for first-class events to attract out-of-town interest.
“We’ve already proven our capability with last year’s AFL pre-season match – and another coming up in February – which showcased our city to the nation and brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional spending,” she said.
“With facilities such as these, we are now well-placed to potentially host high-level night football, cricket and other sporting competitions, including the AFLW.
“This is another great example of Council delivering on projects that benefit our community and the region.”
The official opening will kick off from 4pm with a ‘Come and Try’ Woolworths Cricket Blast pop up clinic, a fun and active program for kids of all abilities.
This non-contact program encourages participation for kids from ages 5-10 - whether it’s their first time with a bat or they’re a backyard cricket star – all are welcome to take part.
At 5:30pm, North Whyalla and West Whyalla will take to the field to play the first ever game to be held under lights.
And the evening will culminate with Roopena facing off against Central Whyalla from 8:00pm.
Full bar and canteen facilities will be available, so be sure to check out the upgraded facility while supporting local sport.
Ticketing
PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, this is a ticketed event limited to 1000 people. Click here to secure your free ticket ahead of the match.
Program – Friday 29 January 2021 – Bennett Oval
4:00pm | Come & Try Pop Up Clinic |
5:30pm | North Whyalla v West Whyalla |
8:00pm | Roopena v Central Whyalla |
Lighting specs:
- Brightest regional lighting facility in South Australia
- Second brightest outside of Adelaide Oval
- 500 lux – Bennett
- 800 lux – Adelaide Oval
- Lighting towers 36m tall
- Designed to minimise light spill – focused on the oval while minimising impact on surrounding residents
- Overall project cost $4.8m, including State Government grant funding
