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The WACA, as an association was officially established
on 25th November 1885 under the Presidency of Mr JCH
James.
The WACA Ground was officially opened in 1893 with the
first match played on the turf wickets in February 1894.
1895: First Grandstand built at the WACA Ground - seating
for 500 people and incorporating 4 dressing rooms, a
dining room, two bathrooms, members’ rooms and
bars.
The Farley Stand (demolished) - opened in 1931 –
the oldest stand at the ground. Named after WJ Farley
– Association President 1915-16 to 1916-17 and
Secretary 1917-18 to 1928-29.
Players Pavilion (demolished) - Lower level built to
provide facilities for the players and the WACA Administration
in 1960’s. The seating on top was added to provide
extra seating for the 1970 Perth inaugural Test Match.
The current stands were built
as follows:
The “Test” or Inverarity
Stand
Built in 1970 to celebrate the First Test Match (Australia
v England) ever to be played at the WACA.
Prindiville Stand
Officially opened in November 1984 as the first stage
of a major redevelopment of the Ground to commemorate
the Centenary of the WACA in 1985. Named after Mr Bernie
Prindiville, a past President of the Association, the
Stand today houses the Association’s Administration
and Finance Departments. The Stand also includes the
President’s Room, the Willow Room, the Stump
Lounge and a range of Private boxes.
Lillee Marsh Stand
Completed in 1988 as a public Stand, catering for the
capacity crowds of cricket and football. Since 2002
the Lillee-Marsh Stand is reserved for the WACA Membership.
The Sir Donald Bradman Room and Press/Media/Scoring
facilities are housed in the upper levels of the
Stand along with a series of Private/Sponsor boxes.
A reception-function centre for 500 people is available
in this complex. Named after former State and Australian
players Dennis Lillee and Rodney Marsh with acknowledgment
to the R&I for their sponsorship.
Players Pavilion
Constructed in 2002, this Pavilion stands within
the Member’s enclosure and includes change
rooms and social rooms for all players including
the Retravision Warriors and visiting teams. The
building also includes facilities for the Match Committee.
The Score Board
Built in 1954, was a donation from the North West Murchison
Cricket Association. This association is some 1800 kilometres
north of Perth – yet still in the State of Western
Australia.
The Oval
was completely restructured in 1985 with some 20,000
tonnes of soil being removed. New wickets were laid,
excellent drainage installed and some 22,000 tonnes
of new soil was laid. Approximately 250,000 individual
pieces of turf were laid in the ten wicket centre “square”.
The Lights
Located in 6 towers, the lights were installed and
first used in 1986 and cost $4.2 million. They stand
70 metres high with an average of 138 lights in each
tower and when operating cost approximately $600.00
per hour. Stairs are located on the inside.
Wickets
The wickets run true North-South.
Indoor Centre
In the North-East corner, contains 4 wickets and 2 bowling
machines.
Practice wicket facilities at eastern end of ground.
There are 45 individual strips up to 8 “brought-up”
at any one time.
The WACA has “freehold” of the ground. Originally
29 acres – part sold to the Trotting Association
in the early 1920’s. |
