While unveiling 698 new grey and dark grey grandstand seats at Wade Park on Monday morning, talk between the federal MP Andrew Gee, mayor Reg Kidd and councillor Jason Hamling turned to attracting big ticket events to the oval.
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With fencing, sight screens, turf practice wickets, the new centre of excellence and $100,000 worth of flip-up seats, Cr Kidd believed Wade Park had met the yardstick for hosting next-tier sporting events.
And from a file that might well be titled "Dream Big", he suggested that Orange was ready to host a BBL side permanently.
The CEO of Cricket NSW Lee Germon described Orange as "an important regional hub for cricket in NSW", but he stopped short of making Dream Big promises.
"Already we've seen important events such as Thunder Indigenous matches take place there," Mr Germon said.
"The Orange and District Cricket Association and Orange City Council deserve to be congratulated for the great work and strong investment they are making in cricket with the continuing development of Wade Park.
"The redevelopment of the grandstand complements the opening of high grade turf practice wickets last year, and the building of the Carl Sharpe Indoor Centre, which is expected to be officially opened later this year."
Mr Germon, a former New Zealand Test cricketer, said the facilities "will see Orange in the mix to host important events such Sheffield Shield matches, State Championships and Women's Big Bash trial matches."
"Wade Park has been Orange's sporting hub for many years," Mr Gee said.
"As the nurturing ground for some of our country's best athletes, this facility goes to the heart and soul of the Orange community."
Cr Kidd said that council had undertaken painting at the oval and installed new hand rails in the grandstand.
Cr Hamling said "there's nothing like the atmosphere of a big crowd here at Wade Park on the day of a big game".
"We're almost ready to open the new cricket centre next to the grandstand," he said.
"It all makes Wade Park a centre of sport in Orange."
The wickets were looking lush and bouncy on Monday morning.
A bowler's paradise.
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