Hockey SA gets second pitch in $3.3 million Pines Stadium upgrade

A $3.3 million upgrade of The Pines Hockey Stadium at Gepps Cross will see more international and national hockey matches played in South Australia.
South Australian Recreation and Sport Minister, Tom Kenyon said the State Government funded upgrade included $2.5 million for a second synthetic hockey pitch through the Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program (CRSFP).
Minister Kenyon explained "this builds on $809,000 in State Government funding for a new more powerful lighting system for the current pitch and will ensure the State's premier hockey centre is an international standard venue.
"This major upgrade puts Adelaide back on the map with Hockey Australia already confirming well host National Women's Master's Championships in October next year.
"We can also now look forward to welcoming back visiting international teams to compete against our Australian national sides, the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos.
"The State Government is committed to ensuring that sporting infrastructure in South Australia is developed to the highest possible standard.
"This projects is a huge boost for our local players and will reinforce The Pines as the headquarters for hockey in SA.
"The new facilities will assist Hockey SA to provide the best possible training and playing environment, not just for elite players, but for all levels of the sport."
Hockey SA Chief Executive Darryl Buchanan said the upgrade of The Pines Stadium would enhance the viability of the venue well into the future, stating "not only does it enable us to now go out and actively seek world class and high profile hockey events, but it also provides us with more options in running the centre on a year-round basis.
"The upgrade will also enable us to schedule fixtures in ways that we havent been able to previously.
"The new lights on the existing pitch replace a 24-year old system and we anticipate theyll be operating in time for the start of the 2013 hockey season."