Sydney Cricket Ground Members' Stand and Lady Members' Stand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sydney Cricket Ground Members' Stand and Lady Members' Stand |
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The Members' Stand at the 2015 ICC World Cup. The Ladies' Stand is partially shown, at left.
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| Location | Driver Avenue, Moore Park, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1900– |
| Architect | J. Kirkpatrick |
| Owner | Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust |
| Official name: Sydney Cricket Ground – Members Stand and Lady Members Stand | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 353 |
| Type | Grandstand |
| Category | Recreation and Entertainment |
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The Members' Stand and Lady Members' Stand are two old, special buildings at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). They are located in Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. These buildings are called grandstands because they are big seating areas for watching sports.
J. Kirkpatrick designed these stands, and they were built starting in 1900. Today, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust owns them. These stands are so important that they were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999. This means they are protected because of their history and special design.
Before these stands were built, this land was used by Aboriginal people. It was also a water reserve, a community area, a showground, and then a cricket ground.
Contents
History of the SCG Stands
Early Days of the Cricket Ground
In 1811, Governor Macquarie set aside a large area of land, about 1,000 acres, for public use. The Sydney Cricket Ground started in 1854. At first, soldiers from Victoria Barracks, Sydney played cricket matches there. By 1876, all the big cricket games in Sydney were played at the SCG.
Around the year 1900, four main grandstands were built at the ground. Only two of these original stands are still standing today: the Members' Stand and the Lady Members' Stand.
The Members' Stand
The Members' Stand is a large, two-level grandstand. It was designed by J. Kirkpatrick and built around 1886. Inside, at the back, it has an older brick club room with three floors. The very first Members' Stand was built in 1878. It was later rebuilt in its current spot. This new stand cost about 6,625 Australian pounds at the time.
From the 1920s to the 1930s, the Members' Stand was a very noticeable building. It had a famous clock tower that stood out in the area.
The Lady Members' Stand
The Lady Members' Stand, often called the Ladies' Stand, opened in 1896. At the same time, a concrete cycling track was built around the inside of the ground.
Like the Members' Stand, the Lady Members' Stand is also a beautiful two-level grandstand. It is made of cast iron. It also has a large three-story room at the back for members.
Other Uses of the Area
The area next to the SCG, called the Sydney Showground, was also important. It hosted the first Ashes Test cricket match ever played in Australia. The Showground was also used for World Series Cricket games in the late 1970s when the SCG was not available.
What the Stands Look Like
The Members' Stand and Lady Members' Stand are made mostly of timber (wood) and cast iron. They have a classic, old-fashioned look.
Condition of the Stands
As of 2000, both grandstands were in good condition.
Why They Are Special
These two grandstands are considered very important historical buildings. They are some of the best examples of their kind in New South Wales. They have a consistent design and many details that make them unique.
Because of their special history and design, the Sydney Cricket Ground Members' Stand and Lady Members' Stand were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This listing helps make sure they are protected for future generations.
