Darwin’s DXC Arena benefits from new lighting system

The Northern Territory Government has advised of the completion of a $1.8 million lighting installation at the DXC Arena - the former Marrara Cricket Ground.

A Northern Territory Government statement advised “lights at DXC Arena will provide flexible match fixturing for our local community, cater for the growth of women’s and junior playing numbers, and capitalise on the enormous opportunity to build Darwin into a winter playing and training hub for Australian cricket through the Cricket 365 program.”

Sport Australia also contributed $500,000 to the DXC Arena lights, with the infrastructure improvement part of a $2.9 million injection of funds to NT Cricket for lighting upgrades at Marrara and Palmerston ovals.

Local contractor, Dice (Aust) Pty Ltd, completed the works with the lights up to a maximum strength of 1200 lux in the Marrara wicket area and 750 lux for the outer area.

Installation of oval lights at Cazalys Arena Oval #2 is expected to be completed by end April which will also provide more night time training and game opportunities.

The investment of these lights comes off the back of a $4.8 million lights investment across three Darwin Ovals, along with over $6 million worth of oval upgrades in Alice Springs, from the Territory Government.

Welcoming the lighting upgrade, NT Cricket Chief Executive, Joel Morrison stated “the installation of lights at DXC Arena is a significant development for cricket in the north.

“Thanks to the support of the NT Government and Sport Australia, we are now able to provide flexible fixtures for our local community, cater for our growing women’s and junior playing numbers, and capitalise on NT Cricket’s new innovative Cricket 365 program.”

The first match under the DXC Arena lights will be the PINT v Tracy Village Premier Grade 50-overs match on Saturday 10th April.