Cricket fans will once again be able to enjoy their
favourite tipple while watching cricket at the St George’s Park Cricket
Stadium.
The relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions on spectators at
sports events has come just in time for the opening of ticket sales to the
second test between South Africa and Bangladesh, which will be played in the St
George’s Park Cricket Stadium from April 8.
Both teams arrive in Gqeberha on Tuesday, April 5 and will
have two days of practice before the start of the test match.
It will be a celebration of the game.
A KFC mini cricket festival will be held on the first day of
the Test during the lunch break.
The Test Match Festival will host various schools from
Kouga-Koukamma, Motherwell, Kariega and Districts, Gqeberha Northern Areas,
Gqeberha City and Gqeberha Township.
Around 200 young cricketers are expected to participate.
Children from participating schools will form a guard of
honour on the first day to welcome the teams onto the field.
The tickets went on sale online on Friday, March 25.
Unreserved tickets are R100 for adults and R50 for scholars
per day.
“We look forward to welcoming back the Gqeberha fans and we
certainly hope that they come in their numbers to enjoy the opportunity to
watch world class cricket in a world class facility,” says Terence Primo,
senior operations manager of the St George’s Park Cricket Stadium.
Stadium capacity has been increased from 2 000 to
7 500 by the relaxation of the restrictions.
“For cricket fans nothing beats the atmosphere of a stadium
filled with fellow lovers of the game,” says Dr Mark Williams, acting chief
executive officer of Eastern Province Cricket.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi
Moseki said in a statement: “CSA is thrilled to receive this news, which greets
us at the time when our domestic cricket is in full swing and while Bangladesh
is currently on an inbound ODI and Test series tour”.
Primo says the stadium immediately put into action its plans
to host bigger crowds after the President’s announcement on Tuesday, March 22.
“Among the practical steps already taken have been to engage
additional stadium security and to increase our safety plans accordingly.
“We are also bringing in additional food and beverage
vendors and creating activations so that our spectators have a good and
memorable St George’s experience,” he says.
There will be various promotions in Castle corner during the
Test.
All Covid-19 protocols will be observed, with spectators
over 12 having to produce a vaccination certificate.
Tickets are available through Ticketpro.
