USC has put more runs on the board as a high-performance sporting hub with the completion of a cricket facility worth $267,000.

Located on Sippy Downs Drive, the new development will feature a five-wicket playing field, two state-level sight screens, an equipment shed, and even a white picket fence.

The oval will be a new home for the Buderim Cricket Club, which outgrew its former Ballinger Oval base and is now called the USC-Buderim Cricket Club.

USC Sport Manager Nathan Gordon said the project, jointly funded by Sunshine Coast Council and the State Government, would help enhance the region’s reputation as a high-performance sporting destination.

“This new oval opens up the chance to play another summer sport on campus, which is fantastic news for students and staff,” he said.

“As well as that, it will put USC and the Sunshine Coast on the map as an attractive location for training camps for state and national-level cricket teams.

“The oval is looking absolutely fantastic and we can’t wait to see games taking place from this summer onwards.”

USC-Buderim Cricket Club President Jeff Bradfield said he had been watching the development at USC closely and was delighted with the standard of the grounds.

“The wickets have been installed by the same people who developed The Gabba’s grounds,” he said. “It’s an outstanding facility, and I think it’s a good thing for cricket on the Coast in general.

“Our club has strong connections to USC – we have quite a few USC students already playing for us, and a number of inquiries from students who have seen the new grounds.

“Buderim Cricket Club has been around since 1903, and having a new home base at the University is the start of a great new phase for the club.”

— Gen Kennedy