DHL Newlands stadium
The history of Newlands Cricket Ground dates back to 1887 when the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC) sought a permanent venue. Their search led them to Mariendal Farm, located near the small village of Newlands, just outside Cape Town. At the time, the farm featured wetlands and dense vegetation, making it an unconventional choice for a cricket field. However, the project’s sub-committee recognized the potential of Lot 27 on the farm, envisioning it as an ideal site for their needs.
Rugby
Interestingly, the Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU) also expressed interest in the same property for its future headquarters. This resulted in a unique sporting arrangement where cricket and rugby grounds were developed side by side. The rugby venue eventually became the renowned Newlands Stadium.
  
 Image: Concrete grandstand under construction 1952/53
The DHL Newlands Stadium is the oldest stadium in the country and the second-oldest rugby stadium in the world. The Western Province Football Union and Rugby Union bought the land in 1888. The first official match took place at the Newlands Stadium on May 31, 1890, in front of a crowd of around 2,400. The Villagers were defeated by Stellenbosch in this match. A year later, Newlands Stadium hosted the first international rugby test during the British Lions tour.
By 1919, concrete stands had been constructed. The stadium saw several upgrades and expansions through the decades. By the 1970s, it became the headquarters of the South African Rugby Federation. Multiple stands were renovated, and some were newly added. In the 1980s, another 10,253 seats were incorporated, bringing the stadium’s current capacity to 51,900, including some standing areas.
Cricket
Originally, the land was owned by Jacob Letterstedt, a prominent brewer who acquired it in 1845. Following his death, his daughter, Lydia Vicomtesse de Montmort, managed the estate. In 1887, she agreed to lease part of the land to the WPCC for £50 per year. By 1888, a 25-year lease was formalized, with rent increased to £100 annually—equivalent to over £10,000 today. Support from life members and generous donors enabled the construction of a pavilion, marking the start of the ground’s transformation.
Newlands Cricket Ground officially opened on January 2, 1888, with a match between the “Mother Country” and “Colonial Born” teams. This fixture, a tradition since 1862, signalled the beginning of Newlands’ deep-rooted association with South African cricket.
146 Campground Rd, Newlands
