Port Augusta Cricket Association (PACA) is fundraising to install a turf cricket wicket on Central Oval in Port Augusta. Funds are also being raised to purchase the necessary rollers, mowers, and other equipment specific to maintaining turf wickets.

Central Oval is a fantastic facility with change rooms, score board, function rooms, a newly laid outfield and 400 Lux lights suitable for playing night cricket, however it does not have a turf wicket for cricket.

PACA has been planning alongside the South Australian Cricket Association and Port Augusta City Council to bring this project to life.

Some of the benefits of cricket at Central Oval include:

• 400 lux lights allow scheduling of night cricket, very important in our hot climate.
• Provides a quality venue for not only for local junior and senior matches but also an expanded Northern Super League including Whyalla, Port Pirie and Northern Areas.
• Potential venue for the Australian Country Championships, Senior SA Country Cup and Junior Country Cup at age levels U12, U14s and U/16s co-hosting with Quorn as well as Whyalla and Port Pirie who have facilities of similar standards.
• Hosting WBBL and other elite level matches. Cricket Australia has prioritised the hosting of WBBL at boutique regional venues.
• Multi-sport carnivals such as Indigenous Games and Australian Masters Games where basketball and cricket could be hosted at the same venue.
• Economic benefits would come with increased visitation from inter league competition, cricket championships, carnivals, and other major events.
• Provides a positive environment for players to develop skills as well as retain and attract new players and volunteers.

There is potential for the Central Oval precinct to become a fantastic social hub on summer evenings where cricket can be played in conjunction with other planned activities in a safe environment.

A successful fundraising campaign will help PACA take cricket to an exciting new level in Port Augusta. Your help will be greatly appreciated.