In a dazzling display of its new coloured LED lights the iconic WACA Ground will light up scorching orange to kick off the Perth Scorchers 2022-23 KFC Big Bash League campaign.
The state-of-the-art array comprises 489 individual lights and 420 metres of coloured LED strips which are all fully programmable, making it the most sophisticated lighting package at a sporting venue anywhere in Australia.
In addition to a stunning range of lighting effects, the LED strips can be coded to form patterns and lettering which scrolls across the headframes in a myriad of colours, to create light shows with massive scale and visual impact.
WA Cricket CEO, Christina Matthews said the completed upgrade is a key moment for the Ground.
“The completion of the light tower upgrade is an important milestone in the WACA Ground Improvement Project, as we work to turn the Ground into a vibrant community and sporting hub for every Western Australian to enjoy,” she said.
“The WACA Ground now meets ICC light standards for match play which means we can continue to host world-class cricket, sporting, and entertainment events.
“This investment that will significantly reduce the running costs of the lights and extend the life of these towers by 25 years.”
The Ground can now be lit up in the full colour spectrum, allowing it to be coordinated with the colours of Optus Stadium and the Matagarup Bridge for special events.
Tonight, venues across Perth will turn orange in support of the Scorchers BBL|12 opener against Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium tomorrow, a grand final rematch themed ‘Home of the Champs’.
Optus Stadium, Perth Concert Hall, the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, and Pan Pacific Perth will glow orange with the WACA Ground, alongside the Mount St Bridge, Sky Ribbon, Joondalup Drive andGraham Farmer Tunnel.
The project to upgrade the WACA Ground lights took seven months, with local contractor Blu Electrical Services installing seven kilometres worth of cabling and more than 10,000 individual terminations.
All headframes were dismantled into three sections, lowered 70 metres to the ground, then transported to Gloucester Park to strengthen and repaint the frames, before being replaced.
The demolition of one light tower (light tower 2 by Gate 2) is required to enable the construction of the High-Performance Centre.
These works are due be completed prior to significant works under the WACA Ground Improvement Project (WGIP) Main Works contract which will commence early next year, with the Project due for completion in 2025.
The $154 million WGIP is anticipated to create 120 jobs in the construction phase and 250 ongoing jobs when operational.
The WGIP is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Western Australian Government, City of Perth, WA Cricket, and Cricket Australia.
Minister for Planning, Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA welcome the completed light upgrade.
“The new lights are a fantastic addition for the WACA Ground and means it can be lit up in the same colours as the iconic Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge, highlighting special events and causes,” she said.
“The new lights are just one part of the significant transformation underway at the WACA Ground, which will transform the iconic stadium into vibrant community and sporting precinct for everyone.
The project is a key part of the $1.7 billion Perth City Deal, a joint agreement between the three levels of government.