Optus Stadium introduces the West Test Hill for summer of cricket
A grass hill will replace four bays of seating at Optus Stadium for the rebranded ‘West Test’ as part of a push to bring some of the soul of the iconic WACA Ground to the 60,000-seat stadium.
The Australian cricket team hosts Pakistan in the first Test match of the summer, beginning on Thursday 14th December at ‘Perth Stadium’ – Cricket Australia officially refers to the venue as its non-commercial name.
Optus Stadium has struggled to attract big crowds for international cricket to the 60,000-seat venue, with just 42,723 attending last year’s match over five days against the West Indies.
It’s hoped the new activation will bring a bit of the WACA Ground to Optus Stadium, making it more attractive for spectators. The three-tiered grassed area can comfortably hold up to 500 spectators at a time on 'The West Test Hill' in what is set to become an annual feature.
It’s not the first activation to feature at Optus Stadium, with the ‘Boundary Beach Club’ introduced in 2019, featuring a 14-metre long pool. The Gabba has also featured a pool deck, while ‘The Boundary Social’ has given fans a new way to enjoy the cricket at the MCG and SCG in recent years.
Cricket Australia has teamed up with NRMA Insurance for the latest initiative, saying the focus was to “prioritise patron comfort and a great event experience” and to that end, the West Test Hill will be a family area with games and ample shaded seating spaces to relax and enjoy the first Test match of the summer.
All spectators attending the opening Test of the summer will have an opportunity to ‘fill the hill’ during Australia's first Test match at home since winning the World Test Championship mid-year, with further details on how fans will gain access yet to be announced.
The nod to the WACA Ground comes as construction work continues at the iconic home of WA Cricket. Demolition of the Prindiville Stand was completed last year, the grass hills have returned, while terraced seating is currently being removed, to make way for the new pavilion and public swimming pool.
