Johannesburg, 23 September 2026
The iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium, home of Lions Cricket and the DP World Lions, is celebrating 70 years of sporting excellence, unforgettable moments and enduring memories – seven decades of setting The Gold Standard.
The milestone marks 70 years of one of South Africa’s most significant sporting and entertainment venues, providing an opportunity to celebrate the stadium’s extraordinary heritage, its contribution to Johannesburg and South African cricket, and its evolution into a world-class, multi-purpose destination.
Since opening its doors in 1956, the DP World Wanderers Stadium has played host to some of the most memorable moments in South African and international cricket. The first Test match at the venue was played between South Africa and England in 1956, while its first One-Day International came 36 years later, when South Africa faced India on 13 December 1992.
Over the decades, the stadium has provided the backdrop for some of the greatest contests in the game, including the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup Final, the iconic 438 ODI between South Africa and Australia in 2006, the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2009 IPL Final, and the 2023 and 2025 SA20 finals.
The stadium has also continually evolved. In 1996, five new 65-metre floodlight masts replaced the previous four 30-metre masts, enabling the venue to host day-night limited-overs cricket. And in 2025 a further upgrade took place when brand new LED floodlights were installed.
Its rich history is also preserved within the stadium museum, which features 36 display cabinets documenting the story of the venue, Transvaal and Gauteng cricket, women’s cricket and veterans’ cricket.
While cricket remains at the heart of the DP World Wanderers Stadium, its role has expanded significantly. Today, the venue is a multi-purpose destination that brings together sport, entertainment, business and community. Over the past year alone, the stadium has hosted more than 180 non-cricket events across entertainment, corporate and community categories.
For Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright, the 70-year milestone is an opportunity to reflect not only on the stadium’s sporting legacy, but on the people and stories that have made it such an important part of Johannesburg.
“In our celebrations, we endeavoured to capture all that this incredible stadium has given our community, our country and the world. The stories have been overwhelming and unparalleled – from the wins and losses to the laughter, connections and genuine growth; the impact made and the inspiration created. We even celebrated the birth of a beautiful boy on match day a few years back in our world-class medical rooms. We are exceptionally proud of our home and all that it has given those who have walked through its gates on Corlett Drive over the last 70 years. There simply is no telling what the next 70 years hold as the Lions Pride constantly questions, innovates and delivers in order to ensure that this beauty continues to Set the Gold Standard in excellence.”
Looking forward, Lions Cricket continues to invest strategically in digital capability, fan engagement and infrastructure. These initiatives are strengthening the stadium’s position as more than a sporting venue, with a growing role as a hub of connection, innovation and inspiration.
The continued diversification of revenue streams, maximisation of the stadium’s value and strategic investment in its future provide a platform for sustained growth, ensuring that the DP World Wanderers Stadium can continue to create magical memories and Set the Gold Standard for generations to come.