After whetting the appetite last season, the Pool Deck is set to feature at the Gabba again this summer
Gabba Pool Deck set for Ashes debut
Every cricket fan's dream of simultaneously taking a dip and having a front-row seat to an Ashes Test can now be realised after Cricket Australia confirmed the return of the Pool Deck at the Gabba this summer.
A popular initiative from last year's day-night Test against Pakistan, the Pool Deck will be reinstalled at the Gabba to give patrons the chance to cool off while watching Australia take on England in the Magellan Ashes series-opener on November 23.
The installation is set to remain in place for the Australia-England one-day international on January 19 and all of Brisbane Heat's home KFC Big Bash League matches.
Like last summer, it will feature a six-by-eight-metre tiered pool and two large tiered decks with seating, tables and shade.
Image Id: 33C09CA6A40C47D581FC7558A50B6184 Image Caption: Australia Test squad members with Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice last summer // GettyMore than 140 people can be on the Pool Deck at any one time and more than 1,400 people took advantage of the pool last season.
Anthony Everard, Cricket Australia's general manager of events and leagues, said it was exciting to have the initiative in place again.
"The introduction of the Pool Deck last year was hugely popular and we are very happy to be giving our fans what they want and bringing back the pool for this summer," said Everard.
"The imagery last year of fans cooling off in the pool while watching enthralling cricket matches was wonderful to see, and I am sure that there are plenty of English fans in particular who are eager for their chance to get on the deck this summer and have a reprieve from the Australian summer heat.”
On the field, Australia will be hoping to build on their impressive record at The Gabba, where they have notlost a Test match since 1988.
For more information about the Pool Deck at the Gabba visit summer.cricket.com.au/pooldeck.
2017-18 International Fixtures:
Magellan Ashes Series
First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets
Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets
Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets
Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets
Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets
ODI Series v England
First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets
Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets
Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets
Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets
Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF
Prime Minister's XI
PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets
T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series
First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets
Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets
Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets
Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13
Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16
Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18
Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21