New Kingsmead scoreboard a first for South African cricket

Friday evening’s 1st KFC T20 International between South Africa and New Zealand in Durban is set to offer those in attendance a ground-breaking new stadium experience as fans get to enjoy the Sahara Stadium Kingsmead’s revolutionary full-colour LED scoreboard for the first time.

Imported from Chennai, India, the scoreboard is the first of its kind to be installed at a cricket venue in South Africa and is set to take the standard of audio visual interaction on match days to a new level for cricket in the country.

“We are thrilled by the installation of our new scoreboard at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead and we cannot wait to unveil it to our fans at Friday evening’s clash between the Proteas and the Blackcaps!” said Sunfoil Dolphins CEO, Pete de Wet.

A fresh energy and positivity has engulfed the Sunfoil Dolphins’ headquarters of late as the franchise seeks to become South Africa’s best.

The exciting new scoreboard continues the work that gone on at the province’s cricketing headquarters in recent weeks and follows hotly on the heels of the recent reveal of an exciting, new Dolphins brand identity.

“A major focus for us here at the Sunfoil Dolphins and KZN Cricket of late has been improving the overall experience our fans enjoy every time they come to Sahara Stadium Kingsmead and the passion they have for our team,” explained De Wet.

“A lot of hard work has gone into a brand new entrance archway, resurfaced main car park, new perimeter fencing, hotel-standard toilets in the West Stand and an improved members’ dining room and now the new scoreboard is the cherry on the top!

“The scoreboard plays an integral role in everyone’s match day experience and by bringing in a full-colour LED scoreboard is another way we’re able offer fans a memorable Kingsmead experience.”

“Also, in the light of Cricket South Africa now grading the top five stadiums annually and awarding international fixtures accordingly, we hope that the stadium improvements – our new scoreboard included – will contribute to even more international cricket coming to Durban; something I’m sure all of our fans would love to see!” he added.

The old scoreboard – installed prior to the 2003 Cricket World Cup – had been a faithful servant however after years of showing signs of retirement the troublesome old display has now officially been put out to pasture.

“No longer are we restricted to static, single colour graphics; fans will now be exposed to high definition, animated, full colour imagery, which opens up all kinds of new options for us!

“Sponsors are now able to bring their brands to life, we can keep fans entertained with Dolphins clips, highlights of previous matches, behind the scenes footage, etc.

“The scoreboard and the LED perimeter boards now also talk to each and so now fans will be exposed to a complete, 360 degree digital experience.

Fans keen to see the new scoreboard, stadium upgrades and international cricket action between South Africa and New Zealand live at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Friday are encouraged to get their tickets from www.ticketpros.co.za or the stadium’s ticket office now.

Gates open at 16h00 with play set to start at 18h00. Only those with ‘Grass-Deck Chairs’ tickets are permitted to bring deck chairs into the ground, only small cooler boxes are permitted and no umbrellas or glass are allowed into the stadium.

No braais are allowed to be brought in however braais will be available inside the stadium. Food and drinks are permitted if in plastic containers while refreshments will be for sale inside the stadium.