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Cricket fans will once again be able to enjoy their favourite tipple while watching cricket at the St George’s Park Cricket Stadium.
The relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions on spectators at sports events has come just in time for the opening of ticket sales to the second test between South Africa and Bangladesh, which will be played in the St George’s Park Cricket Stadium from April 8.
Both teams arrive in Gqeberha on Tuesday, April 5 and will have two days of practice before the start of the test match.
It will be a celebration of the game.
A KFC mini cricket festival will be held on the first day of the Test during the lunch break.
The Test Match Festival will host various schools from Kouga-Koukamma, Motherwell, Kariega and Districts, Gqeberha Northern Areas, Gqeberha City and Gqeberha Township.
Around 200 young cricketers are expected to participate.
Children from participating schools will form a guard of honour on the first day to welcome the teams onto the field.
The tickets went on sale online on Friday, March 25. Unreserved tickets are R100 for adults and R50 for scholars per day.
“We look forward to welcoming back the Gqeberha fans and we certainly hope that they come in their numbers to enjoy the opportunity to watch world class cricket in a world class facility,” says Terence Primo, senior operations manager of the St George’s Park Cricket Stadium.
Stadium capacity has been increased from 2 000 to 7 500 by the relaxation of the restrictions.
“For cricket fans nothing beats the atmosphere of a stadium filled with fellow lovers of the game,” says Dr Mark Williams, acting chief executive officer of Eastern Province Cricket.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said in a statement: “CSA is thrilled to receive this news, which greets us at the time when our domestic cricket is in full swing and while Bangladesh is currently on an inbound ODI and Test series tour”.
Primo says the stadium immediately put into action its plans to host bigger crowds after the President’s announcement on Tuesday, March 22.
“Among the practical steps already taken have been to engage additional stadium security and to increase our safety plans accordingly.
“We are also bringing in additional food and beverage vendors and creating activities so that our spectators have a good and memorable St George’s experience,” he says.
There will be various promotions in Castle corner during the Test.
All Covid-19 protocols will be observed, with spectators over 12 having to produce a vaccination certificate.
Tickets are available through Ticketpro.
