Durham's Riverside stadium wins right to host Ashes Test
Durham’s decision to increase the capacity of its Riverside stadium to 20,000 has paid off today with the county winning the right to host Ashes cricket,
It was confirmed this morning that Durham County Cricket Club’s Riverside Stadium will host an Ashes Test Match in 2013 for the first time in the club’s history.
Durham CCC has been working closely with Durham County Council and regional Development Agency, One North East, to secure international cricket in the region, and the associated economic benefits. The Test will also support Durham’s bid to be City of Culture in 2013 and will be a significant boost to the proposed event schedule.
The England v Australia match is part of a package of games, which will see Riverside host the Twenty20 Cup Finals Day in 2015 and an England Test Match in 2016. More matches will become available for the period 2012-16 early next year, which Riverside can also bid to host, in addition to the games already secured.
Planning permission has recently been granted to complete the stadium which will have a capacity of 20,000 plus an on-site hotel and additional conference and banqueting facilities.
Durham CCC chairman Clive Leach said: “There has been a great deal of work behind the scenes to ensure that Riverside continues to develop in order to maintain its position as a leading international cricket venue. The completion of the stadium over the coming years, which will increase capacity to 20,000 as well as providing an onsite hotel, will offer spectators the ultimate cricket experience in what will be a truly world class set up.
“For an Ashes Test Match to be played at Riverside will be a huge milestone for Durham County Cricket Club and this achievement is testament to the hard work of all involved.”
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