Bidvest Wanderers Stadium

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Bidvest Wanderers Stadium. Photo courtesy Gauteng Tourism Authority

The 34 000-seater Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, situated just south of Sandton in Illovo, Johannesburg, is the premier cricketing stadium in South Africa and one of the best in world cricket. The stadium, home to the Highveld Lions, was built in 1956 to replace the old Wanderers Stadium.

Since South Africa’s return to international cricket in 1991, the stadium has undergone major changes to its infrastructure and set-up. Everything from the playing field to the stadium itself has been renovated or rebuilt to match the highest international standards. A popular addition to the cricket season was the introduction of night cricket, and the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium is one of the best in world cricket for such events.

People queuing outside Bidvest Wanderers Stadium. Photo courtesy sagrenm1

In recognition of the stadium’s top-class facilities, it was given the opportunity to host the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup final in 2003. It has hosted the ICC World T20 final and the Indian Premier League final.

The stadium’s grounds have seen numerous records established over the years. In 2006, arguably the most exciting one-day international game ever was played at Wanderers. Australia set a record – and seemingly unassailable – 434/4 in the first innings. South Africa’s Proteas went on to score 438/9, winning by one wicket and with just one ball to spare. In the 1956/57 season, Wanderers witnessed the best-ever Test bowling performance by a South African in an innings when Hugh Tayfield took 9/113 in the fourth Test against England.

When the first Test started at the Wanderers on 24 December 1956, the stadium became the third South African and 41st international ground to host Test cricket.

Admission

Tickets are available from Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 16h00, at the Bidvest Wanderers ticket office, or through Ticketpros at 087 151 4400.

Directions

Bidvest Wanderers is situated just south of Sandton in Illovo, Johannesburg. It is on Corlett Drive, between Rudd Road and Jacobs Street.