Karl Hampton MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION

20 July 2010 World Famous Curator Drops In TIO Pitch

Minister for Sport Karl Hampton today welcomed the arrival of TIO stadium’s new pitch, and the world’s most famous curator for the tournament being held in August.

The pitch is being installed and tended to by world famous groundsman Les Burdett, who today supervised TIO’s new strip being dropped in and rolled out.

“Next month, in a first for the NT, world class Twenty20 Cricket will be coming to town; we are proud to have a world-class curator on board to ensure the best possible pitch for the tournament,” said Mr Hampton

"As former curator of Oval Les has built a reputation over 30 years for preparing fantastic international pitches - its great to have him here in the territory preparing our own decks."

Mr Burdett prepared the iconic for international, national and other cricket matches as well as all football codes, concerts and special events.

Mr Hampton said the upcoming tournament held between 27 and 31 August would be an exciting showcase of popular Twenty20 format for cricket fans.

“Territorians love their cricket and the tournament is another example of NT Government’s commitment to both Cricket players and fans.

“From the 27th of August some of the world’s top Twenty20 players will light up TIO as South Australian, Victorian and smash their way through 6 games of cricket.”

The Victorian Bushrangers will play fellow KFC ‘Big Bash’ finalists the South Australian Redbacks, as well as the powerhouse Queensland Bulls.

“NT crowds can look forward to seeing fast and big hitting from superstars like , , and right here at TIO.”

Mr Hampton said it was just the beginning for NT cricket.

“With the growth of Twenty20 cricket in Asia, there are huge opportunities for Darwin as a winter training base, and to potentially attract Champions League and IPL matches in the future.” Contact: Patrick Hastwell 0427 017 803