Queenstown gears up for big cricket day

New Zealand's newest one-day cricketing venue - the Queenstown Events Centre - will benefit from one of the game's best in the lead-up to the State Shield opener on January 2.

Champion Carisbrook groundsman Mark Perham will oversee the pitch and outfield preparation at the Centre, which will host the Otago-Wellington State Shield match straight after New Year.

A significant amount of work has been done on the pitch block with the top 20 millimetres shaved off and re-laid with the same Kakanui soil as used on the Carisbrook pitch, which is rated one of the best in the country.

Otago Cricket is planning a stellar day at the Centre with a host of hospitality options being offered to business houses in the Queenstown and Lakes District.

If the weather gods play their part it is anticipated a crowd of close to 5000 could be in attendance to see the first ball bowled in the inaugural State Shield match.