The Turfhall Softball Stadium, in Belthorn Estate, Athlone, was originally planned as part of Cape Town’s 2004 Olympic bid programme. The 2400- seater stadium has contributed to the upliftment and benefit of the community at large. A part of the Table Mountain chain provides a backdrop to the stadium, housed within the Turfhall Sports Complex. The project was completed in 1999 and became the new home of the Western Province Softball Federation.
The complex currently consists of:
The City of Cape Town will upgrade the facility to the required status to host this event. Additions to the facility will include:
Upgrading of main playing field
The gravel area to be replaced and extended to the backstop fence
The paved area between the backstop and the stand to be replaced by gravel
The dugouts to be redesigned and replaced. These will cater for 23 persons, including hanging space for bags and bats
New floodlights to be installed (completed)
The bullpens to be overhauled. The bullpen fence to be replaced by netting
The grass area to be redone
All perimeter fencing to be replaced/repaired
Construction of second field
Scorers’ facility
Both playing areas will have similar scorers’ facilities built. The room will cater for two scorers, a commentator and an electronic scoreboard operator. The room will be equipped with power supply, front sliding window and communication equipment
Scoreboard and sound system
A new scoreboard will be installed at centre-field, approximately 80 metres from the grandstand. There is currently a sound system in storage, which will be installed.
Grandstand upgrade
The roof sheets will be replaced
Additional lights will be fitted to the roof on the side facing the outer fields. This will provide ample light for training areas. The front railings of the main stand will be made solid to prevent spectators from encroaching onto the players’ enclosure. The sides of this area will also be blocked off.
A catch fence (netting) will be suspended from the roof to the backstop to prevent any foul balls hitting spectators.
Spectator access to the main stand is via the side ramps. However, an improvement in the ramps as well as a pathway to the ramps will be constructed to allow easy access for wheelchairs etc.
Media Facilities
An area within the main stand will be dedicated for media. This will consist of seating and work desks as well as power supply. There will also be ample working area for the media within the main stadium building.
Umpires’ Facility
This is housed within the stadium building. An area currently consisting of an office, small kitchen and toilets will be combined to create change-room facilities. The current lounge area will be revamped for the event.
Medical Facility
The current medical facility is ample. The adjoining ablution facility will be utilised and linked to the medical facility by moving the door from an external to an internal door
Players’ Change-rooms
The rooms are ample but will be revamped with better seating. Lockers will be installed. The egress to the playing area is easily accessible.
Office area
The current area will be upgraded to separate the office from the boardroom
Additional Seating for Both Fields
Temporary seating will be used on both fields to compliment the requirements of the ISF.
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