A T20 night match between Tanunda and Angaston cricket clubs, held on December 4 was the perfect way to launch a new $450,000 lighting upgrade at Tanunda Oval.
Tanunda Cricket Club president, Stuart Swan says the T20 was the first of many night matches.
“To become the first oval outside of Adelaide with approved cricket standard lights, allowing us to safely host cricket at night, is a real feather in the Barossa’s cap and a great thing for our entire cricket association,” Stuart said.
“This adds to the SACA championships that are already based in the Barossa each year and the Women’s Big Bash games being held here too.
“The benefits are there for all the codes – certainly night games for football are also a reality here now.
“I’d personally love to see games like Tanunda versus Nuri and Angaston in night games if that’s possible, with the A grade women part of the mix too.”
Barossa Mayor Bim Lange describes the 300 lux floodlighting as “a spectacle”.
“Anyone who’s seen the oval under the new lights will know just how many opportunities this creates for our community to participate in sport and also expand our sporting calendar,” he said.
SACA & Cricket Australia Public Policy & Government Relations Manager, Ben Page agrees.
“The Tanunda Oval lights will create more opportunities for young cricketers to pick up the sport and bring new visitors to the Barossa for state and national competitions,” Ben said.
“The project was only possible through collaboration with the Tanunda volunteers, The Barossa Council, State Government and the SANFL”.