More than cricket: How SA20 has turned matchdays into a full-blown festival | Cricket News

TimesofIndia.com in Johannesburg: As the countdown to the first ball of the SA20 clash between Pretoria Capitals and Sunrisers Eastern Cape began,

The announcer incited the crowd into a frenzy. On the lively grass banks of SuperSport Park in Centurion,

Spectators hurriedly unfolded picnic chairs as umbrellas popped open and sunscreen was generously applied.

The party was just getting started. Nearby, the braai zone slowly came to life, grills warming up as the aroma filled the air.

The finest South African lagers were freely flowing to ensure hydration.

On a Monday evening during the second week of the New Year, the packed stadium remained devoid of any sadness.

The bands in the stands and the DJ worked together seamlessly to maintain the lively atmosphere during what turned out to be a dominating victory by the Sunrisers unit.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape mauled Pretoria Capitals by ten wickets. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. 

This, however, isn’t about cricket. It isn’t about Jonny Bairstow’s five sixes in the Keshav Maharaj over or Quinton de Kock’s blazing knock.

This piece is about how the spectators in South Africa have embraced the SAT20 and have come out in massive numbers in the ongoing fourth edition.

From the windy Sunday in Cape Town to a very pleasant Monday evening in Johannesburg,

The organisers are optimistic about maintaining the early momentum, as the games have sold out completely.

Pretoria Capitals cricketers sign autographs for the kids. (Photo Credit: TimesofIndia.com)

SA20 gets the turnout it continues to have.

The strong cricket culture and the overall fan engagement experience have helped.

But the off-season planning has helped SA20 get the turnout it continues to have.

The timely promotions and build-up campaigns generate the buzz.

and this approach has allowed the league to effortlessly get thousands cheering and waving flags on match days.

The region-specific allegiances prove useful catalysts too, but it’s the package of cricket, food, and entertainment that continues to make days and evenings

memorable for the thousands who don’t shy away from shelling out their rand. There are predict-and-win contests,

hefty cash prizes for the ones who end up pulling off one-handed catches in the stands (which happened twice on Monday), a kiss cam for the couples,

a kids’ cam for the younger lot, and even a beer-drinking contest that happens during the breaks and is shown on the giant screen.

Whether it’s the concourse, the stands, the playing field, or the grass banks,

There is always something or other happening for close to four hours of cricket action, and even

When it ends, the patient lot gets a chance to get selfies with their cricketing heroes.

Spectators enjoying the match between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the SuperSport Park in Centurion (Photo Credit: TimesofIndia.com)

The post-match period is a big hit amongst the kids as they queue up on either side of the staircase leading back to the change room and every player walking those steps makes it a memorable outing for them.

Even when their parents polish off the final portions on the grill and pour in the glass, there is just enough entertainment for the kids to stay busy.

Even when the supply of fries and popcorn halts after the match, the kids remain occupied and entertained.

While there is no dearth of quality in cricket,

The well-packaged fan experience continues to draw crowds in large numbers. Instead of taking strolls around the Botanical Garden in Cape Town,

Many now prefer a high-octane cricket match at Newlands, with the Table Mountain looming above.

A cricket match at the Newlands, with the Table Mountain staring down at you, now seems to be a more preferred option.

Ensure your safety during the period when the T20 league is in progress.

The braais, lagers, fries, and popcorn tubs will soon return to their regular spots.

The SA20 league has ensured that these South African staples continue to be widely available at cricket stadiums across the country.