Riverway Stadium will be able to host more first class and international cricket matches after new state-of-the-art stump camera enabling infrastructure was installed at the grounds this month.
Stump cameras are micro-cameras embedded inside one of the three stumps and used in professional cricket matches.
About $38,000 worth of infrastructure was installed to enable stump cameras to be used at Riverway Stadium.
The technology has been installed in time for Townsville to host the one-day international cricket series between Australia and Zimbabwe next month and will be used to help provide viewers with a unique angle and perspective for replays and analysis.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it would help ensure Townsville attracted more high-profile cricket matches.
“This technology is one of the requirements set out by Cricket Australia for a venue to host games of this standard,” Cr Hill said.
“Townsville City Council and Cricket Australia have a close working relationship, and we want to build on the excellent reputation the city has earned as a great place to host live cricket.
“Riverway Stadium is leading the way as an international cricket venue in regional Australia. It is one of only a few stadiums outside of a capital city that is capable of hosting professional international games.
“Townsville is fast developing a reputation of being able to host high-calibre sporting matches, and we want to be able to attract more international cricket matches here.”
Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said Australia v Zimbabwe game was a first for Riverway Stadium.
“This is the first time the Australian men’s cricket side has played an international one-day series at Riverway,” Cr Molachino said.
“Over the next few weeks, our crews will be out preparing the field and stadium to host the game.
“This includes getting the playing surface to Cricket Australia standards, preparing the stadium for spectators and ensuring the proper infrastructure is in place so the game can be televised.
“Townsville has already shown it can host major football, soccer and basketball games, and now we want to add cricket to that list and make the city a winter hub for professional cricket.”
Australia’s first game against Zimbabwe is on Sunday 28 August at Riverway Stadium. For more information, go to Council’s What’s On page.