Manuka Oval, Canberra – The iconic stadium with 15,000 capacity, home to cricket and AFL. Hosts Prime Minister’s XI, BBL, and international matches including its first Test in 2019.
Manuka Oval is a picturesque stadium located in suburban Canberra, best known as the venue for the annual Prime Minister’s XI match against overseas touring teams. It is also the home ground of the ACT Comets.
History of Manuka Oval
- In 1954/55, then Prime Minister Robert Menzies initiated the first Prime Minister’s XI match against the MCC team from England.
- After his retirement in 1966, the fixture was discontinued until Bob Hawke revived it in 1983/84.
- In 1978/79, New South Wales hosted its first-class match here when the Sydney Cricket Ground was unavailable.
International Cricket and BBL
- Hosted the 1992 World Cup match between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
- Became a regular limited-overs venue from 1997/98 with the birth of the Canberra Comets.
- In 2008, the stadium hosted an India vs Sri Lanka CB Series match, marking the return of international cricket after 16 years.
- Floodlights were installed in 2012/13, with the first day-night ODI played between Australia and West Indies.
- In January 2019, Manuka Oval hosted its first-ever Test Match.
Key Feature – Jack Fingleton Scoreboard
- Originally the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) scoreboard, it was relocated here in the 1980s.
- Named after Jack Fingleton, the former Australian opener and noted political journalist.
Stadium Capacity and Facilities
- Seating Capacity: 13,550
- Total Capacity: 15,000
- Usage: International cricket, BBL matches, Prime Minister’s XI, and GWS Giants AFL home games.
- 2001 Upgrade: New tiered seating, extended terraces at northern and southern ends, new toilet blocks, corporate marquee area, and landscape improvements.
- 2013 Upgrade: Six 47-metre-high floodlight towers, permanent video screen, extra seating, new surface with upgraded drainage/irrigation, player dugouts, and a new media centre (opened in 2018).
