Wanderers Stadium

Description

Situated in Illovo, just south of Sandton, Johannesburg, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium is the home ground for the domestic team, the bizhub Highveld Lions and a major venue for first-class Twenty20, Test, and One Day cricket matches. The stadium has a seating capacity of 34,000 and is nicknamed 'The Bullring' because of its design and intimidating atmosphere. High stands surround most of the field, although there is a small grassed area that is very popular with spectators.

To be precise, the Wanderers is in fact the New Wanderers. The Old Wanderers first hosted test cricket in 1896, when South Africa faced England and George Lohmann claimed 9 for 28 in South Africa's first innings to help the English to a convincing victory. The New Wanderers, on the other hand, first hosted test cricket in December 1956, and its first one-day international, between South Africa and India, in December 1992.

Since South Africa's return to International cricket in 1991, the Wanderers Stadium has undergone major changes. In 1996, the 30m floodlight masts were replaced by five new masts, each 65m high. The Bidvest Wanderers Stadium has since become one of the best stadiums in the world for night cricket.

The 2003 Cricket World Cup final was held at the Wanderers Stadium. In 2007 it hosted matches of the first Twenty20 World Cup, including the first and final matches. The stadium had also hosted the 2009 Indian Premier League as well as the 2010 and 2012 Champions League T20.