Kingsmead ready to display upgraded stadium

Kingsmead, home of the Dolphins is to make a grand entrance as a world class cricketing facility when South Africa take on Pakistan in a one day international on 8 December 2002.

The stadium has been undergoing extensive renovations for the past seven months and is finally ready to provide a world class cricketing arena. Some of the highlights of the upgraded stadium will be a brand new Public Announcing (PA) system and a high resolution electronic scoreboard.

The new Venue Operations Centre (VOC) will house the decision makers from several disciplines like disaster management, security, medical services and stadium management, to mention a few.

As opposed to sharing dinning facilities, players will now have direct access from their change rooms to their very own dinning area.

However, the main highlight by far is the new President's Lounge in the North stand that caters for 260 people.

The old President's lounge will now be home to members of the written press. This facility provides desk area for in excess of 300 journalists! Radio commentators will operate from an exclusive press box while the venue previously shared between TV and radio will be used solely for television broadcasters.

The ODI will serve as a pilot project for the upcoming world cup. This means that almost all the restrictions and conditions applicable for Crikcet World Cup will be implemented in this game.

Cassim Docrat, CEO of the KwaZulu Natal Cricket Union has appealed to the public to take special note of details being publicised in the press. "We ask that supporters take note of the World Cup requirements and that everyone co-operates with our efforts to show that Durban is ready to host the World Cup fixtures!"

The following items will not be allowed into the stadium:

glass

cans

large cooler boxes

braai equipment

hooters and other nuisance items

video / flash cameras

tv's and radios

deck chairs

umbrellas

gazebos

A Mag and Bag security routine will be enforced at the gates. Supporters will pass through magnetometers followed by physical checks at all access points.

NMR Avenue inbound will be a No Traffic Zone. This area will host a carnival during World Cup.

Over 200 volunteers selected to assist various disciplines during the World Cup will be in action at the ODI.

The SA Breweries Friendship food court combined with a kiddies area will also be operational.