It may look a little messy, but it is on track.
The upgrade of Aorangi Oval’s changing rooms got the seal of approval from Canterbury Cricket chief executive Lee Germon yesterday.
The improvements were vital in bringing first-class cricket back to South Canterbury after a five-year absence.
Aorangi Oval will play host to two domestic cricket matches this year – a 50-over game between Canterbury and Otago on New Year’s Eve and a Twenty20 contest between Canterbury and Central Districts on January 13.
South Canterbury Cricket president Andrew McRae said he was confident the renovations would be completed in time.
The project is expected to cost between $20,000 and $30,000, but McRae said it was worth the money.
“It was an opportunity that was too good for us not to seize.”
The changing rooms will more than double in size, from their original 25-square-metre space.
Germon, who used to play at the oval during his career in the 1990s, said the upgrade was needed.
“We played quite a few games at Aorangi, and I don’t think the facilities have changed from those days.”
The former New Zealand cricket captain urged the South Canterbury public to come and support the games, to ensure they became a regular summer fixture.
“We’ve historically had such great support from South Canterbury Cricket and the public to matches we have had here.
“It’s obviously a step for us to come back, so it’s really important that the one-day game and the Twenty20 are supported by the locals; and if they are, we’ll keep coming back.”
Germon also spent time looking at the pitch, and surrounding block, as well as talking with South Canterbury Cricket officials about how both days will run.
Germon said the chances of seeing some of the Black Caps play in the two games were high.