SCGT_ATG-0405_to print.indd

S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5
ROOSTERS
MINOR PREMIERS
2004
SCG - The Best Venue for Cricket | 2004-05 Cricket Season
Arrangements | Winter Wrap | Soccer Returns to Aussie Stadium
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE SYDNEY CRICKET &
SPORTS GROUND TRUST
www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
CONTENTS
Aussie Stadium's Biggest Gig
Winter Wrap
Mark Schwarzer Inducted into Aussie Stadium
Captains’ Bar
Historic Speedway Site Remembered
Happy Birthday Mr Pope!
Bulli Comes Home
SCG Trust Members Golf Day
Sydney Lawn Tennis Title
Souths v Dragons at the SCG
One Millionth Spectator
80 NOT OUT
Aussie Stadium Top NRL Venue
Friends of the Trust in the Olympic Torch Relay
Moore Park the Home of Rugby League
Freddy's Last Home Game
Captains Gather at Aussie Stadium
Gathering Memories
Member Swims Across Cook Strait
The World Game Makes a Welcome
Return to Aussie Stadium
Socceroos Journey to 2006 World Cup
Farina Names Full Strength Provisional Squad
Cricket Season Preview
Members' Breakfast
Breakfast with the Curator
Experience Sport!
Membership Noticeboard
Match Day Information
Reserved Seating and Booking
Stadium Fitness Centre
Out & About
Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust
Office: Moore Park Road, Paddington
Postal: GPO Box 150, Sydney NSW 2001
Reception: (02) 9360 6601
Fax: (02) 9360 1319
Membership: 1800 80 11 55
Membership fax: (02) 9380 0398
Venue Services (Fitness Centre, Tours): 1300 72 47 37
Corporate Hospitality: 1800 88 55 55
Restaurant Bookings: (02) 9360 0771
Web: www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
Photo Requests
Do you appear in this edition of Around the Grounds?
Photos featuring Members from this edition and future
editions of Around the Grounds can be downloaded from
the Membership section on the Trust website for one
month after each edition. Please note the Trust is unable to
print photos for Members. (All non-Member photos remain
the property of the Trust and are not available
for distribution).
2 | Around the Grounds
SCG – THE
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At the time of
writing, Cricket NSW
was in the process of
evaluating submissions
from the SCG and
Telstra Stadium
regarding the staging
of international cricket
over the next five to
10 years.
The Trust submitted a proposal that met
or exceeded all the criteria identified by Cricket
NSW, it provided a strong financial platform for
the development of the game in NSW.
Below we outline the main reasons that we
believe the SCG is the best venue for staging all
cricket at its traditional home.
1. THE HISTORY AND FUTURE
OF CRICKET IS AT THE SCG
The SCG is one of the two finest cricket
grounds in the world. It has immense historical
value as the home of the game in Australia
with 615 first class matches played at the
ground over the past 150 years.
The heritage and history of the game is
celebrated with the O’Reilly, Noble, Walters
and Bradman Stands, as well as through
the commemoration of outstanding sporting
achievements along the ‘Walk of Honour’ and
in the Museum.
In a country as young as Australia, we
believe these traditions should be embraced
and nurtured. Beyond the heritage and
tradition the SCG offers the best facilities
and amenities for players and spectators, it
provides strong, guaranteed financial returns
to cricket.
2. THE BEST CRICKET GROUND
FOR PLAYERS
The SCG wicket has a character which is
a feature of the Sydney Test Match and One
Day International series. The turning pitch
has provided challenges to batsmen and
opportunities to bowlers. It is an essential
element in any summer of cricket - like the
seaming pitch on the first morning of a Test
at the Gabba or the pace and bounce of the
WACA.
BEST VENUE FOR CRICKET
Players have access to high quality
training facilities - 13 indoor practice
wickets at the Indoor Cricket Centre, a
world-class gym and heated swimming
pool. Players have the opportunity to
practice under match conditions on the
24 turf wickets with the same orientation,
grass and Bulli soil and sub-soil as the
wicket square.
Telstra Stadium does not offer any of
these benefits to players. The ground
cannot even meet the most basic
requirement of the ICC’s minimum
field dimensions which states that “the
playing field shall be a minimum of 140
yards (128.01metres) from boundary
to boundary square of the pitch..” All
boundaries must be designated by a
rope which should be a minimum
distance of 3 yards (2.74m) inside the
perimeter fencing.
The view of cricket 140m from the centre of the wicket.
We believe international cricket cannot be
played at Telstra Stadium without a special
dispensation from the governing body.
The SCG is well serviced by airports,
rail links, buses and parking spaces. The
proximity to the CBD makes the Ground
convenient for inner-city workers.
3. SPECTATORS PREFER THE SCG
5. THE SCG IS THE PERFECT SIZE
The Sydney Cricket Ground is the
perfect size, orientation and capacity
for cricket. It was built by cricketers for
cricketers.
Managing a venue is about optimising
capacity. Optimal capacity is about
achieving the right balance between
supply and demand for tickets.
At the SCG, spectators are close to the
action. They can see the spin, the swing
and movement off the pitch, they can
appreciate the nuances of the game.
The table provides a comparison
between One Day International cricket
at the SCG and MCG. The two stadia
have comparable attendances – despite
the fact that the MCG has a capacity
more than double that of the SCG.
Total attendances over the period at the
SCG have been greater than the MCG
and Melbourne is considered to be the
country’s major sporting events capital.
At Telstra Stadium many spectators will
be forced to view the match from a great
height, as far away as 140 metres from
the stumps.
4. THE SCG IS EASILY
ACCESSIBLE
Some have suggested that a move
to Telstra Stadium was justified on the
grounds that it is closer to one part of
Sydney’s growing population – in Sydney’s
west. There is not a shred of evidence
that a child or adult at any time in the past
150 years has experienced any difficulty in
getting to the Sydney Cricket Ground from
wherever they live in NSW. The memoirs
of our greatest cricketers abound in
accounts of the pilgrimage to the Ground
from wherever they were living in NSW.
In season 2004-05 over 30 per cent
of spectators traveled from country NSW
and interstate. Those from the north and
south west parts of Sydney accounted for
28.5 per cent, with fans from the eastern
suburbs and north shore accounting for
25.1 per cent.
6. NO UN-MET DEMAND
FOR CRICKET
Television, the world of home
entertainment and the multitude of
outdoor pleasures available in Sydney, one
of the most exciting cities in the world,
have had an impact on attendances for all
spectator sports. Attendances are falling
across the world. Which is why the smart
money in North America and Europe – in
baseball, American Football and soccer
– are building their stadia with capacities
in the range of 40,000-50,000. The
probability of a sellout makes economic
sense, the stadium is viable through
the bad times (inevitable in all sports),
the spectators experience a sense of
occasion, television portrays a full venue.
ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL
CRICKET ATTENDANCES
SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND
2002 Australia v New Zealand
MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND
39,602
Australia v New Zealand
40,065
New Zealand v South Africa*
30,809
New Zealand v South Africa
20,721
Australia v South Africa
39,127
Australia v Pakistan
11,861
Australia v Pakistan
16,981
Australia v England
35,873
Australia v England
34,887
2003 Australia v Sri Lanka
38,759
Australia v Sri Lanka
41,601
England v Sri Lanka
11,716
Australia v England*
37,879
Australia v England
23,107
37,731
Australia v India
63,271
19,494
Australia v Zimbabwe
15,218
38,182
Australia v India
44,835
2004 Australia v India
Australia v Zimbabwe
2005 Australia v India*
TOTAL
324,172
312,547
*Finals
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 3
The graph shows the ticket sales history
from a One Day International last summer
– but figures from the last five years are
consistent for all One Day Internationals.
The graphs show that it takes six months
to sell the majority of tickets to a One
Day International. It also shows that
demand for tickets is closely matched
by supply and that there is no demandbased argument for hosting cricket at a
larger venue.
SALES HISTORY
1 AUGUST 2004 - 8 FEBRUARY 2004
2nd FINAL AUSTRALIA v INDIA 8 FEBRUARY
If demand for tickets dramatically
outweighed supply, the curve would be
steeper, and a sell-out would occur in
days or weeks rather than months. If
you dramatically increase the number of
available tickets, sales will be even slower.
By way of comparison, the Rugby
League grand final, and the Bledisloe Cup
sell out in days - sometimes hours. The
grand final and the Bledilsoe Cup are the
only two events in Sydney regardless of
context: that is, regardless of the teams
playing, regardless of the time of day,
regardless of the weather, (especially)
regardless of a fair prospect of a view so
bad that you turn your head away from
the field to make sense of the action by
watching it on the video screen.
7. THE SCG MAKES A STRONG
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO
CRICKET
The SCG is the highest yielding
ground in Australia. Cricket makes more
money out of the SCG than it does from
any other cricket ground in Australia.
On yield per seat and in absolute terms
the SCG is the most profitable venue for
cricket in Australia.
Under the current agreement, cricket
retains 100 per cent of all gate receipts.
This amounted to $8.4 million in 2004.
No venue hire fee was charged to cricket.
Significantly contributions are also made
to cricket through the sale of corporate
hospitality sales and signage at the SCG.
8. SCG SETS THE BENCHMARKS
IN CRICKET
The relationship between the SCG
and cricket is not just about passing
cash to the game through selling seats,
sponsorship and corporate hospitality.
Throughout its history, the SCG has
worked with cricket to provide other
services and facilities, which benefit
the game.
All profits generated by the Trust are
invested in facilities and amenities for
4 | Around the Grounds
players and spectators. In the course
of the present 10-year agreement with
cricket the Trust has invested $46 million
on capital works. Over the years we have
invested in the Indoor Cricket Centre,
video scoreboard, home dressing room,
replacement of every seat in the Ground
and rebuilt the playing field.
general public and from SCG Members
to keep all cricket at the SCG.
We have updated catering and
hospitality facilities. We will continue this
into the future.
The Trust delivered a strong proposal
that is aimed at staging all international
cricket at the SCG. Our commitment
to the protection of the heritage of the
game is unquestioned. The benefits to
players at the SCG are unmatched. The
experience for spectators is one of the
best in the world.
We will be spending $250,000 on the
establishment of a new childcare facility
for Members and players’ children,
half a million dollars on a cricketers’
club lounge in the Pavilion and we will
be upgrading the lighting towers and
are considering the installation of an
additional video screen – not to mention a
new grandstand on the Hill.
9. STRONG SUPPORT FROM
THE FANS FOR THE SCG
The Sydney Cricket Ground has
received overwhelming support from the
The Members of the SCG are the
stalwarts of cricket in NSW.
10. TO SAFEGUARD THE FUTURE
OF CRICKET
The financial considerations of cricket
are matched with the same action,
commitment and passion. The Trust has
exhibited this for 128 years and looks
forward to continuing to support the
game for many years to come, providing
financial certainty as it develops and
executes its plans for the future of cricket.
PUBLIC OPINION IS IN FAVOUR OF
CRICKET AT THE SCG
News Limited
86% in favour
Channel 10
87% in favour
Daily Telegraph
100% in favour
Baggy Green
84% in favour
BREAKFAST
WITH THE CURATOR
THE
EDINBURGH
MILITARY TATTOO
BREAKS BOX OFFICE RECORDS
IN AUSTRALIA
Some events only come along once in
our lifetime and Sydney will experience,
one of the most spectacular
entertainment attractions in the world,
when the famous Edinburgh Military
Tattoo comes to Aussie Stadium.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been a favourite with
audiences both in Edinburgh and with the millions of viewers who
watch the event on television annually. If you have been lucky
enough to see the Tattoo performed live in Edinburgh with the
backdrop of the historic Edinburgh Castle, you will know what an
unforgettable experience it is.
Throughout its 54 year history, it has only ever performed
outside of Edinburgh once, in Wellington, New Zealand in 2000.
Now it is Sydney’s turn to experience this remarkable event,
when it performs at Aussie Stadium in February 2005.
Tickets for this event went on sale on Monday August 9 and
demand has been so overwhelming, three performances have
sold out. “Ticket sales broke records set by Cirque Du Soleil
and bettered sales for the Lion King and Disney on Ice. This
exceptional level of interest resulted in the Trust announcing two
additional performances – which are now on sale”, said Trust
CEO Jamie Barkley.
The final program is being fine tuned, but with an estimated
cast of over 1200 performers, featuring military bands from
around the world, massed pipes and drums and highland
dancing, Brigadier Melville Jameson, Executive Producer of the
Edinburgh Military Tattoo, has promised, “it will be the biggest
Edinburgh Military Tattoo ever to be staged”.
Jamie Barkley said, “We were told by staff in Edinburgh that
when invitations were issued to the leading pipes and drums
associations all over the world, people didn’t hesitate to accept
because they were so excited at the prospect of performing
in Sydney, so we will be seeing some of the best bands from
around the world.”
It will certainly be one of the most spectacular events ever
staged at Aussie Stadium, believes Barkley, right up there with
the Robbie Williams concerts last December, U2 concerts in
1993 and 1998, and arena productions of the operas Aida and
Turandot. “In fact, I think the Edinburgh Military Tattoo will surpass
those events,” he says.
Don’t miss this extraordinary event in February 2005 at Aussie
Stadium - only in Sydney!
A SALUTE TO AUSTRALIA
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo performs:
February 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 at Aussie Stadium
Bookings through Ticketek:
www.ticketek.com.au or phone 9266 4015
SCG and Gold Members should inquire about
Diamond tickets and dining packages by emailing:
sales@scgt.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1800 88 55 55
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 5
WINTERWRAP
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
HIGHLIGHTS
Season 2004 was full of undulations for the South
Sydney Rabbitohs. The famous club was hoping to turn
around their fortunes after a couple of tough seasons.
The team showed some early spark in a spirited
encounter with the Roosters in round one, and followed
up with two wins in their next two matches at Aussie
Stadium. Their round two win over the Tigers was a
thriller, with Souths “pulling a rabbit out of the hat”
snatching a 17-16 victory in golden-point extra time.
Injuries to key players upset the momentum of the side.
Ultimately the Rabbitohs could only conjure up five
wins and two draws throughout the 26 premiership
rounds - three wins and one draw came at home at
Aussie Stadium.
On the positive side, the come-from-behind 28-26
win against the Storm, a stunning 30-6 demolition of the
Panthers and a 34 all draw with the Broncos in the last
home game of the season were highlights.
History may record the most significant developments
at the Rabbitohs in 2004 as the recruitment of some
highly regarded administrators and coaches. Rabbitohs
supporters have good reason for renewed optimism
in 2005.
6 | Around the Grounds
The Roosters made it 11 wins from 13 matches
at Aussie Stadium in 2004 and claimed their
first minor premiership in 23 years.
The eastern suburbs team enjoyed their
highest average attendance in the long history of
the club and achieved the highest average of any
NRL club in Sydney this season.
After successive Grand Final appearances in
2002 and 2003, the “boys from Bondi” served
notice to the competition when they disposed
of the Bulldogs 35-0 at Aussie Stadium in
round three.
The Anzac Day Cup clash was once again
a feature event at Aussie Stadium with the
Roosters flexing their muscles in defence in a
hard fought 11-8 victory over the Dragons.
One of the most anticipated matches for the Roosters
at Aussie Stadium was their Grand Final rematch against the
Panthers, but the Roosters easily defeated the 2003 premiers
44-12.
The Roosters went into the final round of the premiership
against the Eels with double the motivation to collect the
two points. Not only was the JJ Giltinan Shield for the minor
premiership up for grabs, the team wanted to farewell
their captain with a big win. And that they did! In front of
24,000 fans and a scoreline of 48-10, both goals
were achieved.
SOUTH SYDNEY
RABBITOHS
NEW SOUTH WALES
WARATAHS
to come
The 2004 season followed a familiar pattern for the NSW
Waratahs. Expected to be heavyweight contenders in
the Super 12, they shot away to be clear leaders of the
competition after the first three rounds.
Sydney’s love affair with the Waratahs continued this
year. A crowd over 31,000 was on hand at Aussie Stadium in
round two when the Waratahs ran rampant over the Sharks
in a brilliant 48-14 victory. The next weekend, the throng of
Waratahs faithfuls were back home at Aussie Stadium when
the Waratahs beat the Cats in an impressive 46-10 win.
As has been the case in previous seasons, the Waratahs
hit upon hard times on the road. After leaving the comfort of
Aussie Stadium, the Waratahs suffered four consecutive losses
at away venues and slipped down into a desperate scrap for a
finals berth.
The Waratahs were able to breathe new life into their
campaign with a 49-31 victory against the Hurricanes at Aussie
Stadium. Waratahs fever hit a crescendo seven days later when
the Waratahs accounted for the competition leaders, the ACT
Brumbies, in a pulsating 37-29 win that had the stadium
in raptures. Sadly, the jubilation was short-lived as the Waratahs
came crashing back to earth in a heart-breaking 29-28 loss to
the Highlanders at Aussie Stadium on the
next Saturday – the only loss at home for
the Waratahs in the 2004 Super 12. The
Waratahs had one last chance to salvage a
semi-final berth in their clash with the Reds
at Suncorp Stadium, but it was not to be.
Fans farewelled stalwart Matt Burke
following the Waratahs v Pacific Islanders
game on 25 June 2004.
Look out for two additional Super 14
games in 2006.
The Sydney Cricket Ground has long been
renowned as a fortress for the Sydney Swans.
The Swans have an enviable record at the SCG,
and in 2004 they were true to form with seven
home wins and only two losses.
In a season of consolidation after a great
season in 2003, the Swans continued to progress
their development. In round 11 at the SCG, the
Swans grabbed the headlines when they ended
St Kilda’s season-long unbeaten run of 10 games
with a 112-76 result. The victory over the plucky
young Saints was a major achievement by the
Swans, but their biggest hurdle was still to come.
In round 18, the Swans emerged as genuine title
contenders when they achieved a convincing
83-51 victory against the defending premiers of
the last three years, the Brisbane Lions, at the
SCG. With victory over the Lions, the Swans
clearly had title aspirations.
Sydney’s strong home record was a
significant asset in the quest for a finals berth.
Unfortunately the Swans were eliminated from the
Premiership race earlier than hoped, going down
to St Kilda in semi-final 2 at the MCG.
SYDNEY SWANS
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 7
MARK SCHWARZER INDUCTED INTO AUSSIE STADIUM CAPTAINS’ BAR
The Trust inducted the latest Socceroo
captain Mark Schwarzer into the Aussie
Stadium Captains’ Bar, prior to their game
against Turkey at Aussie Stadium in June.
In his first game as captain, Mark joined
an illustrious group of 15 captains from
the three football codes who have led
Australian teams at the Sydney Football
Stadium/Aussie Stadium since its
opening in 1988.
The Captains inducted in the inaugural
ceremony were: Wally Lewis, Charlie
Yankos, Michael Lynagh, Nick FarrJones, Paul Wade, Mal Meninga, Phil
Kearns, Graham Arnold, Frank Farina,
Alex Tobin, Brad Fittler, Paul Okon, John
Eales, Alison Forman and Andrew Johns.
An experienced goalkeeper, Mark
Schwarzer has made a name for himself
on the world stage. His penalty shootout heroics in the 1993 World Cup
qualifying game against Canada made
him a national star at the age of 20.
An excellent shot-stopper, especially
at close range, Mark is also valued for
his consistency. His performances for
Middlesbrough have earned him rave
reviews, with the former Sydney-sider
considered one of the best keepers in
the English Premier League.
NSW STRONG YEAR FOR
HISTORIC SPEEDWAY SITE REMEMBERED
SPECIAL CEREMONY AT AUSSIE STADIUM
Part of the history of Aussie Stadium
came alive in June when a plaque was
unveiled commemorating the staging
of speedway racing when the site was
known as the Sydney Sports Ground.
The special ceremony was performed
by three former competitors who
raced at the Sports Ground – Tom
Bradshaw (midget speedcars), Peter
Speerin (motorcycle sidecars) and Jim
Courtney (solo motorcycles) along with
Trust Chairman Rodney Cavalier and
Patron of the Veteran Speedway Riders
Association, Jim Shepherd.
Included in a static display of present and
past speedway cars, bikes and sidecars
on the forecourt of Aussie Stadium, was
Jack Brabham’s 1947 midget speedway
car. Later that month it was flown to
England for the big Vintage/Classic show
at Goodwood, an old motor racing circuit.
The plaque commemorates speedway dirt
track racing staged between the 1930s
and 1950s and the 12 competitors killed.
Straight after World War II in 1946 when
speedway resumed, the Sports Ground
8 | Around the Grounds
was the major race track in Australia and
regularly attracted record crowds.
Legendary radio announcer Jack Davey
cut his teeth calling events there and
some of the world’s biggest names,
including 1936 world champion Lionel
Van Praag and 1928 champion Frank
Arthur of the phenomenally successful
Empire Speedway promotional company
competed there.
The Sports Ground also saw the first
double fatality in the world when Ray
Duggan and Norm Clay were killed in the
same crash in the early 1950s. Duggan
was the brother of world superstar Vic
Duggan who also raced there.
Another household name of the era to
lose his life at the Sports Ground was
Ken Le Breton, the famed White Ghost
(so named because of his all-white racing
leathers at a time when the universal
colour was black).
The plaque was dedicated by the
members of the Veteran Speedway Riders
Association of Australia and the Vintage
Speedcar Association of NSW Inc.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MR POPE!
SCG TRUST
MEMBERS
GOLF DAY
The SCG Trust Members’ Golf Day was
held at Concord Golf Course in August.
Congratulations to the following winners:
1st
2nd
3rd
Peter McCarthy
Colin Roddan
Graeme Smith
NTP
NTP
Longest Drive
Peter Wildig
Peter McCarthy
Michael Brown
Our thanks to Matthew Laverty Corporate Golf Pty Ltd
for organising the day.
Former Trust Chairman, Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE,
and Mr Norman Pope at the 70 Year Induction Ceremony in 2002.
The Trust extends its best wishes
to Mr Norman Pope, the ‘oldest’
Member of the Sydney Cricket
Ground, who turned 100 on
7 September 2004.
Mr Pope became an SCG Member in 1926, and was part of
the first induction of 70-Year Members at a special ceremony
on 11 June 2002.
At this function, Mr Pope spoke of the athletics carnivals
he had attended in the 1920's and recalled many wonderful
moments at the SCG. A century by Johnny Taylor is one of his
greatest memories, although with so many great rugby union
matches, it was difficult to decide on just one.
He found it difficult to nominate his favourite sportsman - a
‘toss up’ between Jack Hobbs, Sir Donald Bradman and
‘Paddy’ Moran. “They all played for the game and did not put
financial gain primarily.”
BULLI
COMES HOME
The Museum was very pleased to receive a portion of Bulli
soil from the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch, compacted
into a solid ball and thought to be over 100 years old. The
donor, the Hon Mr Rae Else-Mitchell, has had the ball for
many years since it was passed on to him by his mother,
Pearl, who was the daughter of Dave Gregory, the first
captain of an official Australian touring side to England.
It is uncertain whether the ball was presented to Pearl by
Dave or his brothers Ned (the SCG’s first ground curator)
and Charles.
The ball will join other items on display in ‘Both Sides of the
Fence - the Gregory Family at the SCG’ and the Museum
wishes to thank Mr Else-Mitchell for presenting an item with
such an interesting history and relevance to the Ground.
SYDNEY LAWN TENNIS
CLUB WINS GRADE 1/1 TITLE
IN BADGE COMPETITION
Sydney Lawn Tennis Club claimed the Grade
1/1 title in Sydney’s prestigious Badge
Competition in August.
‘Sydney 1’ (5 sets, 41 games) defeated ‘Sydney University 1’
(2 sets, 33 games) in the Grand Final, which was played at the
University’s tennis court.
RESULTS
P Tramachi & S Goh
6-7, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4
S Gleeson & S Jobson
6-3, 3-6, 7-5
Sydney Lawn Tennis Club is Australia’s oldest tennis club, and
has been based at the Sydney Cricket Ground since it was
formed in 1878.
Over the years the club has had many distinguished members
who have represented Australia in Davis Cup, including
J Anderson, J Clemenger, J Crawford, M Edmondson,
H Hopman, A Jones, N Peach, L Poidevin, A Quist, A Roche,
K Rosewall, C Sproule, F Stolle and J Willard.
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 9
RABBITOHS v DRAGONS AUSSIE STADIUM
AT SCG
TOP NRL VENUE
The results of the recent NRL Fan survey completed by
over 5,000 league supporters, confirmed Aussie Stadium
as the top NRL venue in the country. In response to the
question, ‘Which is your favourite ground to watch NRL
football?’ this is how the venues scored:
A fantastic crowd of 23,741 attended the Sydney Cricket Ground
on Sunday 27 June to see the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on
the St George Illawarra Dragons. These two great teams have
been involved in many historic moments at the SCG, so fans
were eager to see them play once again. The Dragons were in
scintillating form, and won the match 52-12.
ONE MILLIONTH
SPECTATOR
Aussie Stadium
Telstra Stadium
Parramatta Stadium
Suncorp Stadium
Leichhardt Oval
Penrith Football Stadium and Oki Jubilee
WIN Stadium and Brookvale Oval
Canberra Stadium, Toyota Park,
Sydney Showground and
Energy Australia Stadium
Campbelltown Stadium
Olympic Park
Dairy Farmers and Ericsson Stadiums
25%
11%
10%
10%
8%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
Four years after the Olympic flame was paraded
throughout Australia in the lead-up to Sydney’s
Olympic Games, the flame once again toured Sydney
and Melbourne in June en route to the 2004 Olympic
Games in Athens.
FRIENDS OF THE
TRUST PARTICIPATE
IN 2004 OLYMPIC
TORCH RELAY
A number of prominent people with associations
to the Sydney Cricket Ground and Aussie Stadium
carried the flame, including:
Mrs Maree Jackson of Barden Ridge was the lucky one millionth
patron to attend a Trust sporting event this year, when she
passed through the turnstiles at the Swans v Lions game.
80
NOT OUT
Dawn Fraser AM MBE
former SCG Trustee; multiple Olympic
gold medallist
Mark Kerry
Gold Member and regular swimmer at Aussie
Stadium’s pool; Olympic gold and multiple
bronze medallist
Nick Politis
Chairman of the Sydney Roosters
Ricky Stuart
Coach of the Sydney Roosters
Arthur Beetson OAM
a legend in the SCG Trust’s Walk of Honour
Steve Waugh AO
recently retired skipper of the Australian Cricket
team and the NSW Blues
The torch arrived at the Sydney Opera House before
venturing east to Bondi Beach, and then south to
Brighton le Sands, concluding at Sydney Olympic
Park.
The Sydney Cricket Ground’s historic Barford & Perkins roller
turns 80 this year.
10 | Around the Grounds
MOORE PARK
THE HOME OF
RUGBY LEAGUE
The NSW Blues once again used the Sydney
Cricket Ground for training sessions and their
traditional team photo in front of the Members
Pavilion prior to each Origin game this year.
Coach Phil Gould led a series of training sessions at the SCG
and Aussie Stadium in the lead-up to each game. The two
venues at Moore Park are routinely used by representative teams
because the extensive facilities are available to elite players,
including gymnasium, sauna, spa and heated pool.
FREDDY’S LAST HOME GAME
September 8 was a particularly
special game for skipper Brad Fittler,
when the Sydney Roosters held
a tribute day in recognition of his
impending retirement. Fittler was
cheered onto the field by a crowd
over 24,000, many of whom were
adorned with Fittler face masks.
Fittler has made an outstanding contribution to the Roosters,
and indeed the game of rugby league at every level. He led
the Roosters to their first premiership in 27 years when they
beat the New Zealand Warriors in the 2002 Grand Final.
The Trust and Members extend their appreciation to Brad
Fittler on his outstanding career and wish him and his family
all the best for the future.
CAPTAINS
GATHER
AT AUSSIE
STADIUM
IN LEAD UP TO NRL FINALS SERIES
The Captains of the Final 8 teams
in the NRL Final Series posed for
the cameras at the traditional Final
8 Captains' Call at Aussie Stadium
in early September.
Luke Ricketson who deputised for Brad Fittler, teamed up with
team captains from the other seven finals teams to promote the
Final Series - Simon Woolford (Canberra Raiders), Trent Barrett
(St George Illawarra Dragons), Steven Price (Bulldogs), Stephen
Kearney (Melbourne Storm), Gordon Tallis (Brisbane Broncos),
Travis Norton (North Queensland Cowboys) and Craig Gower
(Penrith Panthers).
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 1 1
GATHERING MEMORIES:
THE SCG TRUST'S ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
In 2003, the Trust’s Museum Task Force successfully sought approval to undertake
an extensive project aimed at interviewing a large number of long-standing members,
former employees, together with players and athletes who have made their mark at the
Grand Old Ground. Warwick Franks, recent editor of Wisden Australia, and well-known
cricket historian, was appointed to co-ordinate and administer the project.
The project is based on the fact that
a key element in constructing history is
individual memory. Everyone has their
own individual and unique memories, and
the project treasures and preserves them,
yet when they are assembled, patterns
begin to emerge which form the basis of
general history. So, for further down the
track we have the raw material for a future
historian to analyse and explain these
patterns.
Each person is interviewed at a
convenient location for them and the
conversation taped, using high-quality
digital technology. Topics covered include
some biographical background, early
memories of the SCG, including social
detail such as methods of travel to the
ground, dress, kind of food eaten, and,
crucially, memories of key personalities,
incidents and games that the person has
witnessed.
Richard Mulvaney, of the Bradman
Museum at Bowral, began proceedings
during the Sydney Test against India in
January 2004, with an interview with
Australia’s most senior living Test cricketer,
the elegant Bill Brown, who still mixes
innate modesty with a quiet incisiveness.
It is now 71 years since Brown first
appeared for New South Wales in a
first-class match at the Sydney Cricket
Ground. In only his second match, in
January 1933, he made a patiently
resolute 69 for the state against the
12 | Around the Grounds
Bodyline tourists and began the journey
which was to lead him to a trip to England
and an Australian cap only eighteen
months later.
Warwick Franks began his series of
interviews with a fascinating two-hour
conversation with Bill Watt, curator at
the SCG from 1951 until 1957, when he
began two decades of superintending
the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which
culminated in the unforgettable Centenary
Test in 1977. Bill told a moving story of
his first glimpse of the SCG, which came
from the balcony under the clock tower
on the Members’ Stand at the Sydney
Showground. With his widowed mother,
he was watching the Highland Gathering
on New Year’s Day 1934 when he saw the
white figures on a green background next
door. In answer to his query as to what
the place was, an onlooker informed him:
“That’s the Sydney Cricket Ground, young
man, and that’s Don Bradman batting.” It
must have been an entertaining sight, as
the young champion was in the process
of taking the Queensland attack apart
to the tune of 253 in only 204 minutes.
Bill decided there and then it could be a
fascinating place to work, and, just over
12 months later, was on the payroll.
Merv Seres, home room attendant at
the ground for 18 years, gave a detailed
insight into the huge number of tasks
which this apparently simple job entailed.
Depending on the time of day or night,
Merv could be called on to be cook,
waiter, social secretary, practice organiser,
masseur, father confessor or psychologist.
He developed the art of reading the
players’ moods and needs and dealt with
them with the quiet skill and absolute
discretion of a professional diplomat. Merv
was multi-skilled long before the concept
became fashionable.
The other group which has been
making a fascinating contribution of that
important group of members whose
membership of the ground stretches
back beyond 70 years. Neville Cush is
the son of long-serving New South Wales
and Australian cricket official Frank Cush
and had the insights offered by living in a
house saturated with service to cricket.
In addition, Don Bradman was part of
the family home from 1928 to 1932
during Neville’s teenage years and left an
indelible impression on him with his quiet
self-assurance.
Hedley Ferguson also came from an
impeccable cricket background. His aunt
married M A Noble, perhaps the first and
still one of the great all-rounders, who was
a mighty presence as Australian captain in
the first decade of the twentieth century.
Monty Noble’s contribution to both cricket
and the Trust was recognised in 1947
when his name was given to the structure
which had been opened in 1936 with
the uninspiring title of the New Members’
Stand. Hedley actually worked for some
years in Noble’s import agency in the city.
One of his uncles was the equally famous
Bill Ferguson, baggage master on 43
tours around the world and scorer of 204
Test. He was in harness for over half a
century from 1905 and was able to boast
with complete accuracy that he had never
lost or mislaid a single item or a single run.
Dr Lynn Joseph is still in active
general practice at Maroubra, while
his schoolmate at Cranbrook, Bruce
Todhunter, who played for many years
with the I Zingari club, was a devotee of
the ground over many decades. Patrick
Nicholas made the acquaintance of
the ground as a schoolboy athlete and
cricketer, even though he had a more
long-distance acquaintance with the
ground during his years on the land at
Tumut.
Alan Short was another long-standing
member with important connections to
the ground, His uncle, Ward Prentice was
a member of the original Wallaby touring
team of 1908-09. He also captained New
South Wales at cricket and subsequently
was an assistant coach for the New South
Wales Cricket Association.
Norman Pope, who reached his
century in September, has vivid memories
of his first trip to the SCG to watch his
beloved Western Suburbs rugby league
team in 1914. He and his brother were
offered a ride by a local baker on his cart,
but the boys had to mind the horse and
vehicle during the first session of the game
and then switch places with the baker for
the second half. That was real devotion.
Each of the gentlemen interviewed
have been generous with their time and
memories and they have created an
absorbingly detailed picture of how people
experienced the ground.
Sports historian Ric Sissons will
move the focus to rugby league in the
near future as he interviews two of the
game’s famous names in Frank Hyde and
Harry Bath. In the coming months, the
project will continue with more interviews
of cricketers such as Arthur Morris and
footballers from both of the rugby codes,
including Sir Nicholas Shehadie, whose
experience and knowledge of the ground
both as player and administrator is
encyclopaedic. In addition, soccer players
such as Joe Marston and athletes such
as Betty Cuthbert will be approached to
make their own unique contribution to
preserving and giving life to the history of
our ground.
Warwick Franks
MEMBER SWIMS
ACROSS
COOK STRAIT
In March this year, 34 year old Gold
Member James Pittar became the first
blind person to cross New Zealand’s
Cook Strait.
It took James eight hours and 40 minutes to cross the 25 kilometre long strait,
which separates the North Island and South Island. James crossed from south to
north with the assistance of whistles and a horn – one long blast to turn left and
two short ones to turn right.
“I feel absolutely thrilled. I did it in a lot less time than I thought I would”.
James lost his sight from eye disease at the age of 16 and says being blind was
sometimes an advantage.
“It’s certainly an advantage in not being able to see how far you have to go or how
big the waves are. I don’t worry about seeing sharks or whether it’s shallow or
deep… and it doesn’t matter to me if it’s dark.
James regularly trains in the Stadium Fitness Centre pool.
Congratulations from the Trust on such and amazing feat!
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 1 3
THE WORLD GAME MAKES
A WELCOME RETURN TO
AUSSIE STADIUM
On 21 May Aussie
Stadium welcomed
the Socceroos to
Australia when the
first major Soccer
international was
staged after a three
year absence. On
this occasion the
Socceroos took on
the formidable 2002
FIFA World Cup semifinalists, Turkey.
Ranked ninth in the world behind
England and Argentina, Turkey played
the Socceroos in a two-match test
series in Sydney and Melbourne.
Although denied a win, the
Socceroos were without many of their
key players including Kewell, Viduka and
captain Craig Moore in their 3-1 loss.
14 | Around the Grounds
The Turkish community turned up in
force, bathing Aussie Stadium in a sea
of red and white in support of their side.
This series was played in preparation
for the Oceania Football Confederation
(OFC) qualifiers on 28 May to 6 June in
Adelaide. During this series the Qantas
Socceroos played out a nail biting 2-all
draw against Solomon Islands.
Aussie Stadium has hosted 66
soccer matches since opening in 1988,
although the history of soccer on the
Moore Park site includes games at the
adjoining Sydney Cricket Ground over
50 years ago.
Major soccer events staged at Aussie
Stadium since 1988 include:
• Australia’s 4-1 thrashing of
Argentina - Bicentenary Gold Cup
- 14/7/88.
• Australia’s clash with Brazil Bicentenary Gold Cup - 17/7/88.
• The dramatic penalty shootout
- Australia v Canada - World Cup
Soccer Qualifier - 15/8/93.
• The World Youth Cup which
unearthed the likes of Craig Moore
(former Rangers Captain and
current Socceroo) as a player for
the future - March 1993.
• Australia’s World Cup qualifier
against Argentina, fielding
legendary player Maradona 31/10/93. (This game also
created a ground attendance
record of 42,467).
• Olympic Games football with
Aussie Stadium hosting 10 men’s
and women’s matches including
the women’s Gold and Bronze
medal games and the men’s
Bronze medal game – 16-29
September 2000.
• The venue has also hosted games
against club sides such as AC
Milan, friendlies against England,
Paraguay, USSR and Columbia and
national league fixtures.
HOME CLUB AT AUSSIE
Aussie Stadium supports the ‘Sydney
Blues’ bid to become Sydney’s
representative in the new national
competition commencing 2005.
The Australian Soccer Association
hopes to announce the successful
tenderer on 29 September.
SOCCEROOS
JOURNEY TO
2006 WORLD CUP
KICKS OFF
OCTOBER 12 AT
AUSSIE STADIUM!
On Tuesday, 12 October at
7.30pm Australia play the
Solomon Islands in the OFC
Nations Cup Final Play-Off. This
is an important step towards
the 2006 FIFA World Cup and
is the final leg of a home and
away series.
The winner goes on to represent
Oceania in the 2005 FIFA
Confederations Cup which already
includes an array of glamour
sides including the current World
Cup holders - Brazil, Euro 2004
Champions - Greece and World Cup
hosts - Germany.
Gold Club cards will admit for this
game when accompanied by the
appropriate Gold Member or Gold
Guest Card holder.
FARINA NAMES FULL STRENGTH PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Socceroos coach Frank Farina has
announced a full-strength provisional
squad for the upcoming FIFA
Confederations Cup qualifiers against
the Solomon Islands.
With tickets already on sale for the
Australian leg. Farina highlighted a list of
25 players which will be reduced to 20
just prior to the play-off.
“It’s a completely full strength squad,”
said Farina.
“These are hugely important matches
for us and we will be ensuring we put the
best team on the paddock.”
The winner of the Australia v Solomon
Islands series will land a place in next
year’s FIFA Confederations Cup alongside
hosts Germany, World Cup holders Brazil,
Argentina, Greece, Tunisia, Mexico and
Japan.
“The chance to qualify for the
Confederations Cup and get quality
matches against nations like Brazil,
Greece, Argentina and Germany is vitally
important to our chances of World Cup
qualification so we won’t be taking any
chances,” added Farina.
Australia and Solomon Islands reached
the final of the OFC Nations Cup by
finishing first and second after Stage Two
of the competition held in Adelaide during
June. In a thrilling final game the two
nations finished their match in a 2-all draw.
Solomon Islands will host the first leg
of the series in Honiara on Saturday
9 October before the return match in
Sydney three days later.
Provisional squad:
John Aloisi (Osasuna, Spain)
Eddy Bosnar (Everton, England)
Marco Bresciano (Parma, Italy)
Tim Cahill (Everton, England)
Scott Chipperfield (Basel, Switzerland)
Simon Colosimo (Pahang, Malaysia)
Ahmad Elrich (Busan I’Cons, Korea)
Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Vince Grella (Parma, Italy)
Zeljko Kalac (Perugia, Italy)
Harry Kewell (Liverpool, England)
Steve Laybutt (KAA Ghent, Belgium)
Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham City, England)
Ante Milicic (Pahang, Malaysia)
Craig Moore (Rangers, Scotland)
Kevin Muscat (Millwall, England)
Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace, England)
Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England)
Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi, Turkey)
Mile Sterjovski (Basel, Switzerland)
Danny Tiatto (Leicester City, England)
Tony Vidmar (Cardiff City, Wales)
Mark Viduka (above - Middlesbrough, England)
Max Vieri (Ternana, Italy)
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 1 5
CRICKET SEASON
PREVIEW
“Australian cricket
followers have a zealous
appetite for cricket
action, and we’re
particularly pleased
to be bringing three
international touring
sides to Australia as part
of the one summer.”
INCREASED SEATING
IN MEMBERS RESERVE
FOR TEST MATCH
The Trust is pleased to inform Members of an increase
in total Members Reserve seating (both stand and
concourse) at the SCG for the 2005 Test Match.
The Trust has secured additional bays in the Bradman
Stand for the first two days of the Test Match between
Australia and Pakistan, Sunday 2 & Monday 3 January
2005. These bays are adjacent to the MA Noble Stand
with access to all Members facilities.
Reservations can be made through Ticketek from
1 November.
16 | Around the Grounds
Three international cricket sides to tour
Australia this summer
Cricket fans will have a chance to see three international sides,
New Zealand, Pakistan and the West Indies, in Australia this
summer, as part of the 2004-05 international season program.
Highlights of the program will include:
• The launch of an annual contest between Australia and
New Zealand for a new international trophy named in
honour of the Chappell and Hadlee cricketing families at
the SCG on 8 December.
• Two “3-sponsored” Test Matches against New Zealand in
Brisbane and Adelaide, in November.
• Three Test Matches – also sponsored by 3 – against
Pakistan in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney in DecemberJanuary.
• A tightened One Day International VB Series
between Australia, Pakistan and the West Indies
in January-February.
The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy will become an annual fixture
involving three One Day International matches early each
summer. Three games will be held in Australia this summer
and three in New Zealand next year.
It is hoped to develop the series so that games are played in
each country each year, rotating with two games in Australia
one year and one in New Zealand, and then vice versa in
subsequent years.
The VB Series will include nine preliminary matches, three less
than 2004, with finals to be played in Melbourne (4 February),
Sydney (6 February) and Adelaide (8 February, if required).
“Cricket Australia has worked hard to develop what we believe
is an excellent 2004-05 international program across many
levels,” said Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, James
Sutherland.
AUSTRALIA v PAKISTAN AT THE SCG
Australia v Pakistan at the SCG
Jan 6,7,8,10,11, 1973
Jan 14,15,16,18, 1977
Jan 2,3,4,5,6, 1984
Feb 3(np),4(np),5,6(np),7,8, 1990
Nov 30, December 1,2,3,4, 1995
Result
Aust by 52 runs
Pak by 8 wkts
Aust by 10 wkts
Drawn
Pak by 74 runs
Aust Captain
Ian Chappell
Greg Chappell
Kim Hughes
Allan Border
Mark Taylor
1972-73 Australia won this third Test Match of the series,
winning their first full home series against Pakistan 3-nil. Mushtaq
Mohammad top scored with 121, Sarfraz Nawaz claimed 8
wickets and Max Walker took 6 for 15 in Pakistan’s second
innings.
1976-77 Pakistan gained their first Test Match victory in
Australia. Asif Iqbal top scored with 120 and Imran Khan claimed
match figures of 12 for 165 described by Alan Davidson as "one
of the most outstanding bowling performances he had witnessed
on the SCG".
1983-84 The most notable feature of these Test Matches was
the Jan 1984 Test Match which saw Greg Chappell, Rod Marsh
Pak Captain
Intikhab Alam
Mushtaq Mohammad
Imran Khan
Imran Khan
Wasim Akram
Man of Match
no award
no award
no award
Terry Alderman
Mushtaq Ahmed
Crowd
72088
97030
69876
13864
61733
and Dennis Lillee all play their last Test Matches for Australia.
Greg Chappell became the first Australian to pass 7000 Test
runs and finished his Test career the same as he started, with
a century (182).
1989-90 The wettest week for 100 years in Sydney causing
three whole days to be washed out. An extra day was added
but only 11 hours play was possible.
1995-96 Australia lost to Pakistan by 74 runs, extending their
Tests to 7 without success at the SCG. Ijaz Ahmed top scored
with 137 and for Australia Mark Waugh scored 116. Shane
Warne played despite breaking a toe in the previous Hobart
Test Match.
WORLD’S BEST CRICKETERS
TO PLAY SUPER TEST AT THE SCG
The Trust, with the support of the NSW Major Events Board, is delighted that the International
Cricket Council (ICC) selected Australia - and the Sydney Cricket Ground - to host the inaugural
Super Series Test Match from 14-19 October 2005.
The ICC Super Series will see the number one team in the
world take on a Rest of the World side in a one-off six-day Test
and a three game One Day series to be played in Sydney and
Melbourne in October 2005 with total prize money expected to
top $US 1.7 million.
Mr Rodney Cavalier, Chairman of the Trust said, “The SCG
is the perfect venue for this game. We are talking about one of
the two finest cricket venues in the world. Every player of ability
wherever cricket is played grows up wanting one day to play at
the Sydney Cricket Ground. It will be a boon for spectators and
corporate supporters of the game.”
This year, 189,989 people attended the Australia v India Test
Match. This was the largest attendance at a five-day Test Match
at the SCG and the largest Test Match in Australia last summer.
The NSW Government has estimated the economic benefit
of the Super Test in 2005 to be in excess of $16million.
It has been over 30 years since Australian cricket followers
had the chance to see an official Rest of the World team in action.
The last time a team of the world’s best players visited the
country was in the summer of 1971-72 when Garfield Sobers
lead a side including players such as Bishan Bedi, Zaheer Abbas,
Intakhab Alam, Tony Greig, Rohan Kanhai and Clive Lloyd in a
memorable series against Ian Chappell’s Australian team.
ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the ICC
Super Series will revive a format of the game which has proven
difficult to schedule in recent years.
“Cricket enjoys a tradition of national teams playing Rest
of the World sides and these matches have provided terrific
cricket,” said Mr Speed.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, the way the calendar has
worked it has made it very difficult to play these types of games
and they have drifted off the schedule.”
However, the creation of the ICC Super Series will now
ensure that these matches become a major event on the
international cricket calendar.
The Rest of the World team will be chosen by a special
selection panel convened specifically for the purpose.
Assuming that Australia retains its number one ranking (as
at 1 April 2005), the selectors will have to make some almost
impossible choices as they put their team together.
“Choosing between Rahul Dravid, Michael Vaughan, Sachin
Tendulkar, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Inzamam ul-Haq,
Stephen Fleming, Brian Lara, Vireder Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly
is hard enough let alone having to then choose the all rounder, the
wicket-keeper and the bowling attack,” said Mr Speed.
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 1 7
MERCHANDISE OFFER
Playbill Merchandising is pleased to announce that
we will soon be releasing an exclusive range of
merchandise for the upcoming Edinburgh Military
Tattoo - A Salute to Australia
If you are interested in receiving advance information
about how to order this exciting commemorative
merchandise, email order@playbill.com.au
with the subject heading EMT- Merchandise.
Alternatively, send this coupon to Playbill, PO Box 6023 Pymble 2073.
Please send me information about the
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18 | Around the Grounds
MEMBERS’
BREAKFAST
2005
Members once again
have the opportunity
to share Day One
of the Sydney Test
Match with friends
and cricketing
personalities in
the traditional
Members’ Breakfast.
The Breakfast on Sunday 2 January 2005, commencing at 8.00am, will feature
special guest speakers (from Australia and Pakistan) and a celebrity MC.
Ground entry for Breakfast attendees will be at gate opening time of 7.00am.
Breakfast guests will then have one hour to reserve their match seat using the seat
reservation sticker to be forwarded with accreditation lanyard on payment for the
Breakfast. (Ground entry will revert to 8.00am for Days 2-5).
BREAKFAST WITH THE CURATOR
Don’t delay! To express your interest in attending the Breakfast, complete
the form enclosed, and post it to MEMBERS’ BREAKFAST, GPO BOX 150,
SYDNEY NSW 2001. Please ensure all details are completed. All expressions of
interest must be accompanied by payment in advance - $85pp.
For group bookings please staple forms together and return in one envelope.
For all other dining reservations please contact Eurest on 9360 0771.
The Members’ Breakfast has become a must on the Members’ Social Calendar,
and is an event not to be missed – book early to avoid disappointment!
BREAKFAST
WITH THE CURATOR
Breakfast with the
Curator is another much
sought after event on
the Trust social calendar.
Join Curator, Tom Parker, as he explains the intricacies of preparing a wicket
at one of the best cricket grounds in the world.
Pay your subscription before 1 November and complete the coupon provided
to enter the draw. You could join a select group of 100 (50 Members plus one
guest each) for an exclusive pitch inspection and breakfast with the Curator.
(This event is subject to ICC approval considered on an annual basis).
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 1 9
EXPERIENCE
SPORT
Experience Sport! in conjunction with the SCG
Trust will again be offering selected tours for
Members in 2005.
The Experience Sport! motto is “Unique
Travel for the Passionate” and it is
committed to providing Members with
tremendous travelling experiences along
with value for money. Whilst some of
the tours by their very nature are group
orientated, Experience Sport! have also
designed fully independent sport travel
alternatives.
The 2005 tours are highlighted by one of
the most exciting sporting tours possible
surrounding both the 2005 Ashes and the
British Open at St Andrews.
A calendar of tours that Experience
Sport! will provide Members are below.
Members will be kept up to date with
tours via email and future ‘Around the
Grounds’.
January 2005
Australian Open Tennis
After the tremendous success of last
year, Experience Sport! will again be
offering members a weekend “finals only”
package for this Grand Slam event.
February 2005
Golfing in New Zealand
Enjoy a few days break in scenic New
Zealand playing golf at two of its most
magnificent golfing resorts - Terrace
Downs and Clearwater.
March 2005
Super 12’s in South Africa
and New Zealand.
Experience Rugby in two of its most
diehard nations.
June 2005
State of Origin and Queensland
Winter Racing Carnival
Why not enjoy Queensland in winter
with a trip taking in racing’s Stradbroke
and Brisbane Cup together with Rugby
League’s iconic State of Origin.
July 2005
Ashes Test Cricket and British Open
at St Andrews
Experience Sport! has arranged a fully
guided tour that includes the final One
20 | Around the Grounds
Day International at Lord's along with
the First Test Match. As an added bonus
Experience Sport! has organised a tour
in between the cricket to St Andrews for
the British Open. This tour is not to
be missed.
To add to the experience the group will
also spend an emotional time at Gallipoli,
a place where many believe all Australians
should visit once in their lifetime.
August 2005
Darwin Cup
Attend one of Australia’s most unique
race meetings and see some of our
countries most exotic scenery when we
take in the Darwin Cup at the Fanny Bay
Racecourse.
September 2005
AFL Grand Final
See the big men fly at one of Australia’s
greatest sporting spectacles with the
Experience Sport! “Ultimate AFL Grand
Final Weekend”.
November 2005
Melbourne Cup Cruise
This cruise always sells out very early but
Experience Sport! has secured berths for
members at hugely discounted prices.
What a way to see the Cup!
In additional to sporting holidays,
Experience Sport! has arranged for
general travel specials through its retail
travel arm Mid City Travel. These will
appear on a “members only” icon
on the Experience Sport! website
(www.experiencesport.com.au). Mid City
Travel has been one of Sydney’s leading
discount travel agencies for over 15
years and can provide all forms of travel
at heavily discounted prices. The deals
offered in this section will cater strictly for
members and range from 15% discounts
on international coach tours (EG Trafalgar,
Insight) to best in market airfares.
For further information re the offers call
Experience Sport! on 02-92640266 or
email tours@experiencesport.com.au.
RECIPROCAL
RIGHTS FOR
TRUST
MEMBERS
The Trust is finalising
negotiations with the
AJC for reciprocal
rights for Gold and
SCG Members at
Royal Randwick
Racecourse.
Details will be
posted on the
Trust website
shortly.
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'Learn to play Basketball' clinic
SPECIAL TRUST ONLY PRICE:
$410 Adult or $1085 Family
Please call Terrence at the Sydney Kings on
9281 1777 or visit www.sydneykings.com.au/trust
for further details
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 2 1
MEMBERSHIP
N O T I C E B O A R D
Members’ Ticketek
Seat Reservations
Members’ reserved seats will go on sale through Ticketek on
Monday 1 November for the January Test Match and One Day
International cricket. Please refer to page 25 for full details and
Membership Card Reissue
Members are reminded that current photo membership cards
(2001-2004) expire on 30 November 2004. New photo
identification cards will be issued on receipt of your 2004-2005
subscription payment.
seating map.
The new Member card will be printed with the existing photo file.
2004 - 2005
Membership Renewals
do so at Membership Services from 9.00am-4.30pm Monday
Payment for Membership renewals can be made online at
advised in the correspondence sent in July 2004.
www.sydneycricketground.com.au under the ‘Membership’
section (you will require your 2004-05 membership renewal
form), through Bpay with your participating financial institution,
by post in the envelope provided with your renewal or in person
at Membership Services (Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm
throughout October and 9.00am - 4.30pm thereafter).
Subscriptions received prior to Monday 1 November are eligible
for a complimentary 2005 diary. These will be distributed to
Members by early December.
Please note: Subscriptions are due for renewal at season
end on or before 1 October 2004. Payments made after
Any Member who would like to have their photo updated may
– Friday prior to payment of your renewal.
All junior Members are required to have their photos updated as
Purchase of additional
day passes
A limited number of day passes are available for selected events
at Aussie Stadium and the SCG. They can be booked online
on the Monday prior to each event. Passes booked online are
available for collection by the Member from Membership Services
(Aussie Stadium events) or Match Day Office (SCG events) on
the event day only. Alternatively, Members may purchase tickets
on the event day at the appropriate membership office. Visit the
30 November 2004 are subject to a late payment fee of $30.
Trust website for upcoming match day pass availability or contact
Reservation of Seats in
the Members’ Reserve
Members are entitled to one additional and double Members a
Following the successful implementation of seat reservation
stickers for all events at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Aussie
Stadium, Members are able to reserve one seat per card whilst
utilising Trust facilities on event days.
Seat reservation stickers will only be available for collection on
entry to the grounds, from staff at the Members’ turnstiles. One
sticker per cardholder. If Members fail to collect their stickers on
entry, additional stickers will not be allocated.
Where seats are left unoccupied for a period in excess of two
hours, staff may be requested to assist other Members into the
vacant seats. In the interest of fellow Members, the Trust seeks
assistance from Members to ensure that these procedures are
not abused. Trust staff will remove personal belongings on seats.
22 | Around the Grounds
Membership Services on 1800 801 155. Please note single
maximum of two additional day passes per event.
SCG Members
Transfer to Gold
SCG Members are reminded that they are now able to upgrade
to Gold Membership at the discounted rates of $6,500 (single)
or $13,000 (double), a saving of $1,500 and $3,000 respectively.
Members who upgrade now will be exempt from payment of
annual subscription fees until 1 October 2005. Please contact
Membership Services on 1800 801 155 for further details.
Birthday Parties at Aussie
Stadium and the SCG!
A birthday party like no other! Join our behind-the-scenes
adventures with a tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground and Aussie
Stadium. Experience the magic as the sporting feats of our past
and present champions come to life.
Make your child’s special day an even more memorable event
with one of our unique sporting options on offer. Take on the
bowling machine in Cricket NSW ’s indoor training venue or join in
Sportspace Tour:
$13 per child
Kids holiday program
at the SCG and Aussie
Stadium
Indoor Cricket Nets session:
$5 per child
The Trust offers a special kids holiday program at the Sydney
Sports Heroes activity session:
$5 per child
Cricket Ground and Aussie Stadium during school holidays.
Party Menu:
$12 per child
A diversity of sports activities features clinics by Sydney Kings
an action-packed session of sporting activities and games of their
choice on our official training field. A special menu is also available
to complement your ultimate sports party!
Enquiries should be directed to Venue Services
on 1300 724 737.
(at Alexandria Stadium), AFL NSW/ACT Commission, Cricket
NSW, Paul Wade National Soccer Schools and NSW Squash.
Other activities will include Oztag, a Sportspace Tour, Adventure
Golf (at Fox Studios), Jay’s ‘Footy Wars’, and the popular
inflatable pool toy, ‘Nessie’.
For further information regarding upcoming programs,
contact Venue Services on 1300 724 737 or
venueservices@scgt.nsw.gov.au
Stadium Swim School
TERM 4, COMMENCES OCTOBER 11 UNTIL DECEMBER 18.
The Stadium Swim School provides a comprehensive program
including Learn to Swim, Squad Training and Private Lessons.
All instructors are Austswim accredited and Level 1 coaches,
who will provide a safe, fun and friendly environment to
conduct all lessons.
These sessions include parent and bubs, pre-school, school
age, ‘Adult Squad’ and ‘Stroke Correction’ techniques.
Collect your information kit and all enrolment forms from the
Venue Services Office or phone 1300 724 737.
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 23
MATCH DAY
INFORMATION
This year, the SCG will host one
Test, a Tour Match and three
One Day Internationals. The
following information will assist
in planning your day out.
NSW V NEW ZEALAND
Tour Match
11-14 November 2004
GATE OPENING
Members’ gates open at 10.30am
Public gates open at 10.30am
Play commences 11.00am
CLUB CARDS
Admit when accompanied by the
designated Member or Guest.
TRANSPORT
Car Parks - Opening Times for Test Match
Gold Members Car Park
Days 1 & 2: 5.00am. Days 3 - 5: 5.30am
Moore Park Public Car Parks
Days 1 & 2: 6.30am. Days 3 - 5: 7.00am
Disabled parking sections are available in
the Moore Park, Fox Studios and the Gold
Members’ car parks.
Moore Park is well serviced by public
transport. Regular bus services from major
train stations travel to Moore Park. On
event days, the express buses from Central
Station are the best way to get to Moore
Park. Timetable information is available at
www.131500.com.au or by calling 131 500.
MEMBER DRESS
REGULATIONS
AUSTRALIA V
NEW ZEALAND
Chappell/Hadlee Trophy
8 December 2004
GATE OPENING
Members’ gates open at 12.00pm
Public gates open at 12.30pm
Play commences 2.15pm
CLUB CARDS
Do not admit for this event.
Members’ Club cards do not permit access to
One Day Internationals featuring Australia.
AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN
“3” Test Series – Third Test
2 – 6 January 2005
GATE OPENING
Members’ gates open at 7.00am on
Day 1 and Day 2 & 8.00am on
Days 3-5 Public gates open at 8.30am
Play commences 10.30am
CLUB CARDS
Members’ Club cards are permitted on
Days 4 and 5 ONLY when accompanied
by the designated Member or Guest.
VB ONE-DAY SERIES
23 January – Australia v Pakistan
06 February – Second Final
GATE OPENING
Members’ gates open at 12.00pm
Public gates open at 12.30pm
Play commences at 2.15pm
CLUB CARDS
Do not admit for this event.
Members’ Club cards do not permit access to
One Day Internationals featuring Australia.
24 | A ro u n d t h e G ro u n d s
Following feedback from recent Member
focus groups, the Trust will tighten the
dress code within the Members’ Reserve
for the upcoming international cricket
season. Your cooperation is appreciated.
The following guidelines may assist:
Members’ Pavilion
Males: Shirt with collar, long trousers,
socks and closed dress shoes (No T-shirts,
shorts, sandals, thongs or bare feet).
Females: Blouse with slacks/skirt or dress
and shoes (No shorts, thongs, tank tops,
bare feet or revealing attire).
MA Noble & Ladies Stands
Males: Neat, casual attire – shirt with collar,
dress shorts/trousers and closed shoes.
(No T-shirts, sandals, thongs or bare feet)
Females: Neat, casual attire with shoes
(No thongs, bare feet or revealing attire).
Attire must be clean, neat and tidy at
all times.
Dress guidelines apply to children but
discretion will be used.
Supporter jerseys (not t-shirts) will be
accepted in the Members' Reserve.
Unacceptable Dress
• Torn or ripped garments
• Bathers, brief shorts, brief tops, bare
midriffs, plunging necklines
• Any ragged or unclean clothing with
offensive or obscene messages or
immodesty
• Any clothing displaying racist or
similarly offensive messages
• Thongs or bare feet
Members are requested not to remove
items of clothing once inside the venue.
The dress standard applies in the
Members’ Reserve throughout the event.
MEMBERS’ CONDUCT
Members are requested to observe
a standard of behaviour, which will enhance
the standing of your membership.
Members are reminded that the dress and
behaviour standards of both Members and
Guests are your responsibility.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Patrons are not permitted to bring
the following items into the Sydney
Cricket Ground or Aussie Stadium:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Alcoholic refreshments.
Illicit drugs.
Glass bottles or breakable containers.
Offensive weapons, including potential
missiles.
Metal containers/cans.
Skateboards, scooters, roller blades or
bicycles.
Dogs or other pets.
Large eskies (that cannot fit under seats).
Flags over 1m x 1m in size.
Any device which is capable of causing
public nuisance.
In caring for patron safety we reserve the
right to refuse entry to people who are
drunk and/or disorderly.
No alcohol can be taken from the Sydney
Cricket Ground or Aussie Stadium premises.
All persons’ movements upon entering the
Sydney Cricket Ground or Aussie
Stadium premises will be subject to
monitoring by closed-circuit television.
Persons entering the playing area
without authorisation will be prosecuted.
Patrons choosing to leave valuables on the
premises do so at their own risk.
No passouts issued.
All patrons may be subjected to bag
searches before entering the venue.
CATERING
Member Facilities
Additional facilities will be provided in the
Members’ BBQ area during the Test and
the One Day International Series.
Eurest will provide additional coffee carts
and refreshment stations within the
Members’ Reserve in high demand areas.
Closing Dates for
Dining Bookings
To reserve your table during the
international cricket season, please call
Members’ Reserve Dining on 9360 0771
by the following dates:
Chappell/Hadlee Trophy 19 Nov
Members' Breakfast &
Australia v Pakistan Test 30 Nov
One Day Internationals 14 Jan
CRÈCHE FACILITIES
International Cricket Season
Following feedback from focus groups
and as an additional service to Members,
the Trust will operate an occasional care
crèche facility for cricket matches at the
SCG this season.
To express interest, contact Venue Services
on 1300 724 737.
RESERVED SEATING
AND BOOKING
Members will have the opportunity to reserve a seat in the Members’ Reserve for
the international cricket season. Reserved seating is available for the Chappell/
Sydney
Trust
Hadlee Trophy, January Test
Match Cricket
and OneGround
Day Internationals
only. Bays 42 and
Members
Seat
Reservation
Areas
2005
43 in the MA Noble Stand and Bays 6, 8, 9 & 10 in the Bradman Stand, have been
TestBookings
Match can be made with Ticketek
set aside for Members’ reserved seating.
from 1 November 2004. To reserve your seat, please read the following
information carefully:
M A NOBLE
STAND
BRADMAN
STAND
6
7
1
MEMBERS
PAVILION
43
42
44
42
8
2
45
43
9
3
10
4
42
43
44
45
5
41
40
LADIES
Members Seat Reservation
Rows A - L
Not undercover seating
39
STAND
38
Members Seat Reservation
Rows M - S
Not undercover seating
37
36
Members Seat Reservation
Rows T - GG
Undercover Seating
35
34
Rows A - L (yellow section)
are not undercover seating. These seats will not go on sale
until all other seats are sold. Price is $8.00 including GST*.
Rows M - S (orange section)
are not undercover. Price is $8.00 including GST*.
Additional Seat Reservation Bays 2005 Season
Rows T - GG (blue section)
are undercover seating. Price is $10.00 including GST*.
Additional Seat Reservation Bays 2004-2005 Season
are undercover seating. Price is $20.00 including GST*.
Row GG
in Bay 43 provides accessible (wheelchair and carer) seats.
Seats in each bay commence at seat 1 and advance clockwise. *A Ticketek transaction fee of $3.95 applies to phone and web
bookings. SEATS ARE RESERVED UP TO ONE (1) HOUR AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY.
BOOKINGS:
COMMENCE AT 9.00AM ON MONDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2004
There are a number of ways in which Members can pre-book seats through Ticketek. They are:
Telephone bookings: contact the Ticketek Members’ hotline on 9266 4840.
Internet: direct link from the Trust website www.sydneycricketground.com.au to the Ticketek website for on-line bookings.
In person: at Venue Services, opposite the entry to Aussie Stadium.
For all bookings, please have your membership card number (located on the back of the Member card at the top) and credit card
details ready.
Members are advised that seat reservations are available for the first four days of the January Test and all One Day International
matches. Single Members may book one (1) reserved seat and Double Members may book two (2) reserved seats. For Day 4 of
the January Test, where Club cards admit, Double Members may book four (4) reserved seats.
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 25
STADIUM FITNESS CENTRE
The Trust is pleased to announce that a
major refurbishment of the SFC commences
in October.
The cardio and weight training areas will be
extended, complete with new cardiovascular
and weight training equipment. This
renovation will also incorporate a new
Creche facility and Tennis Club room.
The Group Exercise Room will be extended incorporating
new timber flooring, additional storage space, new spin
training bikes for cycle classes and circuit training equipment.
Other renovations include the re-tiling of the spa and
ladies toilet cubicles in the main change room and new
flooring throughout.
There will be minimal disruption to the Fitness Centre with
regular programs and facilities to operate as normal
during this period.
BIATHLON &
FAMILY DAY
500M SWIM & 5KM RUN
Including face painting,
sausage sizzle and jumping
castle for the kids.
Sunday 7 November 2004.
All enquiries please phone 1300 724 737.
26 | Around the Grounds
COMMANDO
IS COMING…
Commando is an intensive outdoor
fitness program designed for Members
and guests who are seeking to add
a new dimension to their existing
workout. This program consists of
three early morning sessions per
week, conducted over four week
cycles and is limited to 30 participants.
Commando is designed to challenge
you physically and mentally within
an environment of discipline and
teamwork.
This will be conducted by a Stadium
Fitness Centre Group Exercise Specialist
at Eastern Suburbs Parklands, beaches,
and Aussie Stadium surrounds.
Course activities range from
Cardiovascular, Strength and Power
conditioning, Agility, Group Tasks
and Games.
COMING TO THE
STADIUM FITNESS CENTRE!
IN OCTOBER
ALL ENQUIRES PLEASE PHONE
THE STADIUM FITNESS CENTRE
ON 1300 724 737.
OUT AND
ABOUT
S u m m e r 20 0 4/0 5 | 27
CRICKET FIXTURES 2004/05
DATE EVENT
NOVEMBER
2-5
11 - 14
NSW v WA (Pura Cup)
NSW v New Zealand (Tour Match)
TIME
11.00am
11.00am
DECEMBER
2-5
8
16 - 19
NSW v SA (Pura Cup)
Australia v New Zealand (D/N) (Chappell/Hadlee Trophy)
NSW v TAS (Pura Cup)
11.00am
2.15pm
11.00am
JANUARY
2-6
23
Australia v Pakistan (Test Match)
Australia v Pakistan (D/N) (VB Series)
10.30am
2.15pm
FEBRUARY
6
13
20
Second Final (D/N) (VB Series)
NSW v VIC (ING Cup)
ING CUP FINAL
2.15pm
10.00am
TBC
MARCH
10 - 13
18 - 21
NSW v VIC (Pura Cup)
PURA CUP FINAL
11.00am
TBC
AUSSIE STADIUM FIXTURES
DATE
EVENT
TIME
Thu 3 Feb
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A Salute to Australia
8.00pm
Fri 4 Feb
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A Salute to Australia
8.00pm
Sat 5 Feb
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A Salute to Australia
8.00pm
Mon 7 Feb
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A Salute to Australia
8.00pm
Tue 8 Feb
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A Salute to Australia
8.00pm
NB. All fixtures are subject to change.
Watch daily press.
Event Times
Event times are provided on our website, recorded message
and in major media leading up to events.
Net Club
If you would like weekly event updates emailed to you, please
visit our website to register: www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
Schedule Updates
Changes to event scheduling will be emailed to all Members
who have provided e-mail addresses.
You can submit your e-mail address to
membership@scgt.nsw.gov.au
Club Cards
Please refer to the 2004 - 2005 Summer fixture card for
Member card usage information.
Club Card usage indicated is a guide only. The Trust reserves
the right to change Club Card access dependant on event
demand. Club Card usage is listed on the Trust website and
in Trust News, the Trust’s column in the Sydney Morning
Herald first Saturday of every month. The appropriate
Member Card or Guest Card must always swipe in first to
activate the Club Cards.
www.sydneycricketground.com.au or
www.aussiestadium.com.au
(Member cards do not admit to EMT performances)
SPRING AT THE SCG: the practice wickets are meticulously prepared in anticipation of the cricket season
REDRAZOO|3117SG