Imagine watching a thrilling cricket match while lounging by a 50-meter pool, with the scorching Perth sun overhead. Sounds like a dream? Welcome to the reimagined WACA, where cricket meets resort-style luxury. But here's where it gets controversial: is this the future of sports venues, or a departure from tradition that purists will lament? Let’s dive in.
During the recent Sheffield Shield clash between Western Australia and Tasmania, a few savvy spectators escaped the heat by enjoying the WACA’s newest addition—a sprawling outdoor pool. Positioned near the former Inverarity Stand, with a towering floodlight as their backdrop, they witnessed the drama unfold on the hallowed turf below. This wasn’t just cricket; it was cricket with a splash.
And this is the part most people miss: the upcoming women’s Test match between Australia and India will showcase the WACA’s most eye-catching transformation yet. Alongside the pool, a ‘splash park’ featuring massive water slides promises to steal the spotlight. While the ground had a soft launch in February, this Test marks its grand unveiling, revealing a staggering AU$189 million makeover.
The redevelopment, which began in 2021 with an initial budget of $115 million, has breathed new life into an aging venue. Traditionalists might have balked at the changes, but the WACA had become outdated, lacking even basic amenities like shade. The opening of the sleek 60,000-seat Optus Stadium in 2018 further dimmed the WACA’s allure, as it swiftly claimed international fixtures and Big Bash League games.
Now, the WACA is reinventing itself as a high-performance hub, akin to Melbourne’s Junction Oval and Brisbane’s Allan Border Field. It’s also a multi-sport community center, complete with a café and public gym. After decades of uncertainty—including a failed 2007 expansion plan by then-president Dennis Lillee—the WACA’s future is finally secure. Its capacity has been scaled down to 10,000, with an additional 5,000 temporary seats for major events.
WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson told ESPNcricinfo, ‘It’s been a long and complicated project, but seeing it come to fruition is a massive achievement. It’s a high-spec development designed to serve both the community and elite athletes.’
The WACA’s legendary fast and bouncy pitch has long been its calling card, creating some of cricket’s most iconic moments. Its rugged charm was part of its mystique. But balancing heritage with modernity has been a tightrope walk. ‘We’ve achieved the perfect blend,’ Stephenson said. ‘We’re mindful of the WACA’s rich history, but we also want to welcome the community.’
Here’s the bold part: Stephenson envisions non-cricket enthusiasts joining the gym or bringing their kids to swim, only to be captivated by the game. ‘There’s a large Filipino community nearby eager to use the facilities,’ he noted. ‘It’ll be fascinating to see if we can engage them with cricket.’
Despite construction eyesores in recent years, the WACA has continued hosting domestic and women’s international matches. The last men’s Test here was the 2017 Ashes, memorable for Mitchell Starc’s jaw-dropping delivery to James Vince and an unseasonal storm halting play. While it was once suggested the WACA would host Tests involving smaller nations, Optus Stadium’s commercial appeal has made it the go-to venue.
‘Our agreement with Optus is solid,’ Stephenson said. ‘But as the game evolves, we might host matches featuring lesser-known nations before the Test summer. I’d never say never to a men’s Test here in the future.’
East Perth, once overshadowed by burgeoning inner-city suburbs, is now undergoing its own revival. The revamped WACA is set to be its crown jewel, alongside a new rugby field serving as the training base for the incoming NRL team, the Perth Bears. Until their headquarters are ready, the Bears will use the WACA for administration and high-performance activities.
‘We’re finalizing an agreement with the state government,’ Stephenson explained. ‘The Lillee-Marsh Stand will become their admin hub, and we’re hopeful everything will be in place by March.’
Adapting to the sight of swimming lessons, kids on waterslides, and a sleek new Inverarity Stand might take time, but change is here. ‘The WACA’s look and feel will evolve, but for the better,’ Stephenson said. ‘This sets us up for a self-sustainable future, reducing our reliance on Cricket Australia. It’s an exciting new era.’
What do you think? Is the WACA’s transformation a stroke of genius or a step too far? Will waterslides and cricket coexist harmoniously, or is this a dilution of the sport’s heritage? Let us know in the comments!
