Harare Sports Club

Surrounded by jacaranda trees and with a beautiful gabled pavilion, Harare Sports Club is in the heart of the city. It is bordered by the heavily-guarded presidential palace on one side and the prestigious Royal Harare Gold Club on another. HSC hosted Zimbabwe's first Test in October 1992 and has been the country's major Test and one-day venue since. Although the club itself does not possess any of the major stands associated with major sports grounds, the capacity of around 10,000 can be increased by the use of temporary stands - a record crowd of 26,000 saw Rhodesia play the MCC in 1956. However, that capacity is rarely tested and even games against major touring sides fail to draw any other than moderate crowds. The main social centre is the pavilion with its popular bar, and the other end of the ground is home to Castle Corner, the alterative and usually lively bar. HSC is also home to Zimbabwe Cricket, the country's board.