Visitors to the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground may have noticed a dramatic change to the stadium’s look.
Two of its towering floodlight masts have already been dismantled, with the remaining lights also being removed.
But fear not: Day/night cricket in Cape Town is here to stay – and is about to shine brighter than ever.
The removal of the floodlights is part of a comprehensive stadium upgrade in preparation for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
LED Lighting and Full Infrastructure Overhaul
As part of Cricket South Africa’s nationwide upgrade, Newlands is one of four major stadiums – along with the Wanderers, Kingsmead and SuperSport Park – set to receive state-of-the-art LED floodlights, replacing the outdated halogen systems.
“We need to comply with ICC standards around light levels,” explains Corrie van Zyl, CEO of the Western Province Cricket Association.
“From a broadcast perspective, LED lighting offers superior lux levels and clarity – fans will definitely notice the difference on and off the pitch.”
Importantly, the change is not limited to light fittings.
Structural assessments revealed that the existing floodlight pylons had reached the end of their lifespan, necessitating a complete overhaul.
“All five current pylons are being removed and replaced,” Van Zyl confirms.
“And we’re also adding a sixth, smaller pylon to enhance coverage.”
More Than Just Cricket: A Multi-Purpose Future
The modern LED system also brings advanced software capabilities, opening the door to stadium-wide light shows and multi-use events that extend beyond cricket.
“It’s going to make Newlands a more versatile venue,” says Van Zyl.
“We want it to be a place for sport, entertainment, and community events.”
With the Betway SA20 tournament and a busy summer schedule looming, the clock is ticking.
The first international match under the new lights is scheduled for 5 December 2025, when the Proteas Women face Ireland.
“Everything must be installed, tested, and certified by the end of November,” says Van Zyl.
“Even with the winter rains, the team is working hard to meet the deadline.”
Further Upgrades Coming to the Stadium Exterior
In addition to the floodlight overhaul, a two-year project is also planned to refresh the stadium exterior – a facelift aimed at readiness for high-profile tours by England and Australia in 2026, and the global spectacle of the 2027 World Cup.
“The fans are really going to be in for a treat,” Van Zyl adds.
“We want Newlands to shine, literally and figuratively.”
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