Willowmoore Park is one of South Africa’s oldest yet most modernized cricket venues. Established in 1924 by English miners, the ground derives its name from the willow trees surrounding the area and the moorland behind it. It is the home ground of Easterns Cricket and has steadily grown into an international venue over the decades.
Today, Willowmoore Park boasts a 20,000 seating capacity, LED electronic scoreboard, four-story media centre, and modern player facilities. It also has a world-class sub-surface drainage system and multiple practice pitches, ensuring top-quality cricket throughout the year.
📍 Location
- City: Benoni, Gauteng Province, South Africa
- Geographical Setting: Located in the East Rand region of Gauteng, near Johannesburg, making it highly accessible for both domestic and international fans.
- Transport: Easily reachable by road from Johannesburg (about 35 km) and Pretoria (about 60 km). Public transport, shuttle services, and taxis are also available during big games.
- Nearby Landmarks: The city of Benoni is known for its lakes and mining history, giving the stadium an old-world charm mixed with modern facilities.
🏏 Cricket History
- 1924: Founded by English miners as a cricketing hub for the region.
- 1948: Legendary English batsman Denis Compton created history here by smashing 300 runs in just 181 minutes, an innings considered one of the fastest triple centuries of that era.
- Domestic Cricket: It has served as the home ground for Easterns Cricket and regularly hosts South African domestic competitions like the CSA T20 Challenge and four-day series.
- International Cricket: Though not as frequent as the bigger stadiums, Willowmoore Park has hosted ODIs, T20Is, and Women’s international matches.
- The stadium’s combination of history, modernization, and versatility makes it a unique cricket venue in South Africa.
🌟 Key Highlights
- Seating Capacity: 20,000 spectators.
- Four-story Media Centre for global broadcast coverage.
- LED Electronic Scoreboard providing live updates.
- World-class Player Facilities including dressing rooms, training areas, and gyms.
- Improved spectator facilities – food stalls, restrooms, hospitality boxes.
- Modern Drainage System and additional pitches for consistency.
- Known for offering balanced pitches, giving both batters and bowlers equal chances.
Famous Matches
- 1948: Denis Compton’s explosive 300 runs in 181 minutes against North Eastern Transvaal.
- Domestic Finals: Multiple CSA domestic finals, including T20 and one-day competitions.
- International Matches: South Africa has played ODIs and T20Is here, along with Women’s World Cup fixtures.
- Known as a ground where historic batting records and memorable domestic contests have taken place.
Fan Experience
- Comfort & Seating: Comfortable seating arrangements with clear pitch views from almost every corner.
- Facilities: Multiple food courts, restrooms, and upgraded hospitality boxes ensure fans enjoy matches without hassle.
- Atmosphere: A lively environment with passionate South African supporters, often filled with music, cheers, and traditional celebrations.
- Accessibility: Located near Johannesburg, fans can travel conveniently for day matches and return the same evening.
- Memorable Experience: The mix of historic legacy and modern cricket comfort makes watching a match here truly special.
