NEWLANDS, CAPE TOWN: GROUND & SPECTATOR GUIDE

Built: 1888

One of the oldest stadiums in South Africa, Newlands in Cape Town is home to 130 years of international cricket history as well as domestic cricket played by Western Province.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful grounds worldwide, the Newlands Cricket Ground underwent development in 2019 in a partnership connection with Sanlam.

Although simply referred to by its traditional 'Newlands', due to sponsorship since 2020, the ground's official name is 'Six Gun Grill Newlands'.

HISTORY

The land on which Newlands was built was initially rented to the Western Province Cricket Club in 1887 on a 25-year lease.

The ground was officially opened a year later with a two-day match between Mother Country and Colonial Born, which went on to become a regular fixture.

A ground which was still developing, then hosted South Africa's second Test match in March 1889, from which England came out comfortable winners by an innings and 202 runs; the home side bowled out for 47 and 43 in their respective innings.

Over the years, Newlands has played host to historic international matches, branching from the 19th century through two world wars, two turns of a century and apartheid.

Prior to the Women's T20 World Cup coming to South Africa in 2023, Newlands last hosted a women's international fixture in 2019 where Dane van Niekerk's 71 not out got the hosts to a convincing chase of 94.

Action from Australia's Test at Newlands in 1994

FAMOUS MOMENT

In Newlands' very first test match in 1889, a record was established which still stands today.

After taking eight and seven wickets in each innings, 26-year-old Johnny Briggs recorded match figures of 15 for 28, which  remains the best match bowling figures at the ground.

Johnny Briggs (courtesy Getty Archive)

HOW TO GET THERE

Address: 146 Campground Road, Newlands, Cape Town, 7780

By car: Parking is available at the stadium on a first come, first served basis and can be accessed by Letterstedt Road

By public transport: There are options by train to Newlands Station which is a two-minute walk from the stadium. Buses are available into Cape Town city centre in order to access the train which is the most direct route to the stadium.

WHERE TO EAT

La Cuuccina Cape Town

A Restaurant specialising in Italian, French and Mexican cuisine is well reviewed and at just 0.2 miles away from Newlands Cricket Ground it makes for an ideal place to eat. (£12 per head)

13 Boundary Road, Josephine’s Mill, Newlands, 7700

Website


Bihari

Indian restaurant, providing viable options with vegetarian, vegan and halal diets. (£18-£23 per head)

Main Road Ground Floor, Southern Sun Hotel, Cape Town Central, 7945

Website


Mamma Roma

Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with vegetarian and gluten-free options and highly rated reviews. (£4 per head)

5 Dean Street, Newlands, 7700

Website

WHERE TO DRINK

Foresters Arms

Pleasant, upmarket restaurant and bar serving draught beers as well as dine-in and takeaway food options.

52 Newlands Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700

Website


The Blue Whistle

A sports bar with a good atmosphere and music offering food and drinks as a place to relax and watch sport on the accessible screens.

111 Main Road, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708

Website


Rascals Pub

Friendly bar serving food and drink in an exciting and relaxing atmosphere.

2 Meyer Street, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708

Website

WHAT TO DO NEARBY

Cape Archives Tours

Go on the Cape of Good Hope and Penguins tour for a day in a beautiful way to explore Cape Town. (£35)

61 Grove Road, Claremont, Cape Town Central, 8875

Website


Camelot Spa at The Table Bay

Enjoy a relaxing day retreat at The Table Bay spa alongside the hotel’s pool-deck. Guests can enjoy steam rooms, a jacuzzi, gym and more. (£32-£56)

Website

BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW...

Although it is predominantly a cricket stadium, Newlands has also been used to host exhibition matches in Australian Rules Football. In 1998, a crowd in excess of 10,000 turned out to watch Brisbane Lions against Freemantle.

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