.

[dibo]

I think it says a lot about Scoops that he is trying to lord it over Hobart and half-failing in the process.

Fixed.

[yob]

Says a lot about the relative strength of the sport to others that you can mount equally compelling cases for not hosting test matches for a range of cities.

[Egan]

I think a substantial upgrade could see the WACA look shaky in Ashes years.

Especially since there's whispers we may go to 7 tests in Ashes years - a two test series agains Bangladesh or Zimbabwe as a lead in series could see the two early tests play at the WACA and perhaps Manuka (the ACT Government is bidding furiously to be included in the test rotation) and Bellerieve gets moved onto the Ashes list.

I doubt Cricket Australia will do that, particularly as the timezone factor (4:00am) start of play compared to (1:00am) start of play in Hobart. Meaning more TV rights dollars. Not the least more money coming out of a timezone closer to the sub-continent...

What you are finding that for the test series, Perth is getting the premier test team every year at the moment due to the timezone benefits Perth has, both to the east coast and to the Sub Continent.

Cricket has less and less to do with attendance and stadium capacities, Perth's got the run over Hobart.

I don't think the timezone advantage really means that much - especially when 5 of the current 6 venues don't have said advantage.

Also Perth doesn't always get the primary test series. They got NZ the last time we hosted them for 3. Ditto the Windies. And they also got the Zimbabwe test the last time they toured, which included the rare double test summer for Sydney to accomodate them.

The last 5-6 years. We also didn't get the Windies last time they toured, that went to Adelaide and Hobart.

Perth may be the only test that has timezone advantage, it doesn't mean that it doesn't play a huge advantage in Perth maintaining its test venue, particularly as the last 5 years we have got the premium test matches over both Adelaide and Brisbane (non Ashes year).

[Timbo]

The last 5-6 years. We also didn't get the Windies last time they toured, that went to Adelaide and Hobart.

Perth may be the only test that has timezone advantage, it doesn't mean that it doesn't play a huge advantage in Perth maintaining its test venue, particularly as the last 5 years we have got the premium test matches over both Adelaide and Brisbane (non Ashes year).

Wrong.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/s ... 06181.html

[Jeffles]

Timezone advantage matters to India, where TV rights for overseas Tests are a big deal. For most other series, the domestic TV rights are overwhelmingly the most valuable product. I doubt an Ashes Test will go to Hobart but this redevelopment migth see them get into the "Sydney/Melbourne" group for certain other Test series.

[Egan]

^ But even then Perth has timezone advantages with allowing the test being put into primetime during the off-peak period where there is a lag in new TV series.

1:30pm-9:00pm gives greater ratings than during the work day.

[gyfox]

Another upgrade to Blundstone Arena was announced yesterday. It will bring capacity to 20k

Blundstone upgrade unveiled
BRETT STUBBS | October 08, 2012 03.26pm


CRICKET Tasmania has unveiled its updated plans for the Blundstone Arena redevelopment, which is expected to cost more than $30 million.

The original plan, which had the entrance-exit from Bellerive Beach Park, was rejected by the Clarence City Council in June, forcing CT back to the architects.

The new design encroaches slightly onto the park, but CT chief executive David Johnston said it would take only 31 square metres and require the removal of one tree.

The redevelopment would site the main entrance-exit area on Derwent St, where the current indoor training facilities are located.

It would increase capacity from 15,000 to 20,000 and improve food and beverage facilities.

The plans were submitted to the council last Thursday and, if approved, work would start next May. Completion is planned for August-September 2014, ahead of the 2015 cricket World Cup.

So far, the Federal Government has contributed $15 million to the redevelopment.

CT chairman Tony Harrison said he was confident of securing the rest of the funding but would not elaborate on possible sources.

CT will hold an open day on Saturday between 10am and 1pm for the public to view the latest plans.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SNAPSHOT
The proposal consists of:
• The demolition of several structures/features including the old players/members’ pavilion, the Clarence District Cricket Club's rooms and the small Western Stand
• Modifications to the Clarence Football Club area
• A new Western Stand to add 5000 extra seats
• Other facilities, such as toilets, amenities and catering facilities
• Upgrading player and spectator areas to ICC standards in time for the World Cup in 2015
• New pedestrian entrance
• A bus interchange facility in Derwent St
• Bus priority measures through the traffic controlled intersection of Clarence St
• Provision of infrastructure for bicycle parking
ADVANTAGES OF PROPOSED SITE ENTRANCE
• This location will better segregate pedestrians from traffic than any of the alternative locations available
• Pedestrians will not have to walk through busy car parking and traffic areas to access the stadium
• It provides a safe area for a crowd to congregate in the event of an emergency evacuation
• The proximity of buses to the entrance and the stand will encourage the use of buses
Read more in tomorrow's Mercury.

There is a video of the presentation to the media.

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/20 ... kH6SlLswe8

[Timbo]

Watch out W.A.C.A....

[Boba Fett]

Reminds me of the eastern stand at Geelong...

[yob]

You know, if that redevelopment gets up, this would be a handy little stadium.

[Timbo]

I think we'll be heading toward an English model in Ashes years anyway. A two test warm up series vs. New Zealand or Bangladesh. I think Canberra would be the obvious choice for one but I think the other could be a coin toss between the WACA and a redeveloped Bellerieve.

[Jeffles]

This will improve the ground for AFL. Looks pretty tidy.

[Rob]

Yep, pretty impressive for Tassie.

Will look good when Norf are based out of there.

[Egan]

Watch out W.A.C.A....

There's a growing view that most cricket will be played at the unicorn if it ever gets up. And just test matches against low drawing sides to be played at WACA.

Doubt Perth is under much threat.

[gyfox]

Beware the NIMBYs.

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/20 ... -news.html