St George’s Park, located in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Eastern Cape, South Africa, is one of the oldest and most historic cricket grounds in the world. With a seating capacity of around 19,000, it is a blend of tradition and modernity. The stadium is renowned for its iconic brass band atmosphere, ocean-side setting, and its place in cricket history as the first venue to host a Test outside England and Australia (1888–89).
The stadium hosts Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and domestic matches, making it a centerpiece of South African cricket.
It features:
- Historic pavilion with traditional charm
- Modern media & broadcast facilities
- Professional player facilities including dressing rooms & practice nets
- Floodlights for international day/night fixtures
- VIP suites and corporate hospitality boxes
📍 Location & Accessibility
- City: Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Proximity: Located near the city centre, close to beaches and urban areas
- Transport: Accessible by car, bus, and public transport, with walking distance from key city spots
- Environment: Coastal setting with scenic views; relaxed, traditional South African cricket atmosphere
🏏 Cricket History
- Test Debut: March 1889 – England vs South Africa (England won by 8 wickets)
- Historic Matches:
- 1896: George Lohmann’s legendary bowling (7/38 & 8/7 as SA were bowled out for 30)
- 1969–70: Hosted South Africa’s final Test before 21-year isolation
- 1992: South Africa defeated India by 9 wickets; Allan Donald claimed 12 wickets
- 1997: Narrow 2-wicket loss to Australia, remembered for Mark Waugh’s innings
- Multi-Sport Legacy: Also hosted South Africa’s first rugby international (1891, vs England)
🌟 Key Highlights & Features
- Seating capacity: 19,000
- Famous for the St George’s brass band during matches
- Blend of traditional open grass banks and covered stands
- Floodlights suitable for ODIs & T20Is
- Coastal breeze adds unique playing conditions
- Pavilion & heritage structures preserve historical charm
- Located close to beaches, hotels, and restaurants
🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch type: Traditionally favors seamers early on, but can support spinners later
- Batting conditions: Tricky bounce at times; challenging for batters, rewarding for disciplined play
- Outfield: Lush, even, and relatively quick, supporting aggressive stroke play
- Day/Night matches: Good lighting ensures smooth visibility; sea breeze influences swing bowling
🔥 Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 1889: First Test outside England & Australia (ENG vs SA)
- 1896: George Lohmann’s 15-wicket match haul
- 1992: Allan Donald’s 12 wickets vs India on a “spinner’s pitch”
- 1997: Classic Test vs Australia, decided by 2 wickets
- World Cups: Hosted matches in 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup and ICC T20 World Cup 2007
🎉 Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Known for the brass band, creating a festive vibe unique to St George’s Park
- Seating options: Mix of traditional stands & grass embankments for casual fans
- Family-friendly: Safe, accessible, with food stalls and entertainment zones
- Carnival feel: Especially during day/night matches with music, food, and passionate support
- Proximity: Close to Port Elizabeth’s beaches, city centre, and hotels – great for tourists
👉 St George’s Park remains a jewel of South African cricket, combining deep history, iconic matches, and a unique fan culture, making it one of the most loved cricket stadiums in the world.
