SCG to have big facelift
The venerable Sydney Cricket Ground is to get a major 191 million US dollars makeover with the demolition of three spectator stands in favour of one huge state-of-the-art grandstand, officials said Tuesday.
Known as the city's "grand lady", the SCG began life as a military cricket ground in the 1850s and hosted its first Test, against England, in 1882.
The ground celebrated its 100th Test on Tuesday with Australia's second Test against India, and Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a sweeping upgrade of the "iconic sporting arena" to mark the occasion.
"This is an exciting project, not only for Sydneysiders but for all Australians, who have grown up watching the New Year's Test and relishing in the history and tradition of the ground," Gillard said in a statement.
"Today marks the beginning of the next stage of SCG's development to ensure it maintains its rightful place as a world-class sporting facility."
Work is expected to begin shortly after Australia's one-day international against India in February and the upgrade is scheduled for completion in time for the Ashes series against England in early 2014.
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