An iconic cricket ground and an extraordinary stage to elevate any occasion.
NEWLANDS – Few sporting venues in the world are defined as much by their setting as Newlands. Framed by Table Mountain, shaded by its famous oak trees and shaped by more than 135 years of unforgettable moments, Newlands has earned its place among the world’s most iconic sporting venues.
Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) today unveiled the new identity for Newlands Cape Town, celebrating everything that has made the venue special while positioning it as a world-class destination for sport, entertainment, hospitality, business and lifestyle experiences.
For generations, Newlands has been synonymous with world-class cricket and the stage for some of the most unforgettable cricketing moments, but its story extends far beyond the boundary rope. It is a place where communities gather, businesses connect, celebrations unfold and visitors from around the world experience one of Cape Town’s defining landmarks.
The new identity reflects the broader role of the venue, strengthening Newlands as a world-class destination while remaining true to the heritage, character and sense of place that have made it one of South Africa’s most treasured sporting venues.
The announcement follows the recent launch of the Western Province Cobras brand, with both initiatives reflecting renewed energy, investment and commercial ambition within Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) as it continues strengthening two of South Africa’s most iconic brands. The continued efforts behind the scenes and front of house have led to YesPlay signing as the stadium title sponsor for the next four years, as well as title sponsor of the WP Cobras, expertly brokered by Megapro.
YesPlay, as well as their YesCares social outreach initiative, are going to bring new energy to Newlands. The stadium will now be formally referred to as YesPlay Newlands.
More than a cricket ground
Every summer, Newlands welcomes the WP Cobras, The Proteas and MI Cape Town, and is a bucket-list experience for both local and global fans alike. But Newlands has always been capable of more. Over the years it has welcomed international music legends, conferences, weddings, corporate events and community celebrations, proving that its unique setting elevates every experience it hosts.
The new identity embraces that broader opportunity, positioning Newlands as a venue where world-class occasions, whatever their nature, become even more memorable. Because when the setting is as extraordinary as Newlands, every occasion is elevated. This is summed up in the campaign line: ‘Majestic Happens Here.’
A logo inspired by place
The new identity draws inspiration not from the stadium itself, but from the timeless qualities that have made Newlands globally recognisable. The logo elegantly combines the silhouette of Table Mountain with the form of an oak leaf, paying tribute to the famous oaks that have become synonymous with the ground while celebrating the natural beauty that defines the Newlands experience.
Rather than relying on traditional sporting imagery, the identity was intentionally designed to feel timeless and sophisticated; equally at home on premium merchandise, hospitality experiences, venue signage or alongside the world’s leading brands. It reflects the premium character of Newlands without ever losing the warmth, character and accessibility that have made it such a beloved part of Cape Town.
The refined colour palette draws on the familiar greens of Newlands, the heritage colours of Western Province Cricket and the understated elegance associated with world-class hospitality, creating an identity that feels unmistakably Newlands.
Investing in the experience
The new identity is accompanied by continued investment in the venue itself. Recent improvements include upgraded hospitality suites with motorised retractable awnings, new lift infrastructure and enhanced seating with extra wheelchair seating. A new secondary scoreboard will be installed, complemented by upgrades to the sound and EVAC system, and the refurbishment of food and beverage kiosks to further enhance the fan experience. Player and match officials have not been forgotten, with further improvements planned as Newlands continues its evolution. These include upgrades to player and umpire changing rooms, an improved scorers’ enclosure and enhanced net practice facilities. Finally, the President and Oaks Pavilions have received a fresh coat of paint.
These investments reinforce WPCA’s commitment to ensuring that one of the world’s most iconic cricket grounds continues to deliver an experience worthy of its reputation. Supporters will experience these improvements during an exciting international season that includes tours by Australia, Bangladesh, India (Women) and England as well as in the SA20 and an improved domestic cricket offering.
Corrie van Zyl, Chief Executive Officer, Western Province Cricket Association
“Newlands is one of the world’s great sporting venues, and we believe its future is every bit as exciting as its past,” said van Zyl.
“Our ambition is to strengthen Newlands as a year-round destination while continuing to celebrate the cricket that has made it famous. At the same time, we’re investing in the venue itself to ensure the experience continues to match its global reputation. We would also like to thank Civils 2000 and Much Asphalt for their support in making this brand-building project possible. We also welcome YesPlay to the team and their YesCares social outreach initiative. This is an exciting time to be part of our set-up!”
Johannes Adams, President, Western Province Cricket Association
“Newlands has always been much more than a stadium. It is part of the identity of Cape Town and a place where generations have gathered to celebrate unforgettable moments,” said Adams.
“This new identity celebrates everything people already love about Newlands while creating an exciting platform for its continued growth and commercial success.”
Tebogo Makamo, Chief Executive Officer of YesPlay
“Newlands stadium is one of those rare places where the setting, the history and the experience come together to create something truly special. For YesPlay, being part of its next chapter is an incredible opportunity and one we take very seriously. We’re proud to become the title sponsor of YesPlay Newlands Cape Town and to play a role in the continued progression of this iconic venue. This is about more than putting our name on a stadium. It is about helping create new experiences, new memories and new reasons for people to connect with a place that already means so much to so many. We believe the best partnerships become part of the story they are helping to build, and we’re excited to be part of the next chapter of Newlands.”
Michael Cook, Co-founder, Workbench
“It was a privilege to work on a brand with such remarkable heritage. We wanted to create something timeless, beautiful and iconic that reflected the natural setting and unique character of Newlands, while creating an identity sophisticated enough to stand alongside the world’s great destination brands, yet warm and approachable enough to be true to the heart of Newlands.”
Home of the Newlands faithful
For generations, Newlands belonged to its people. It is home to the Newlands Faithful, who return year after year to support the WP Cobras, The Proteas and MI Cape Town, while welcoming visitors from around the world to experience one of cricket’s most iconic settings. That connection between place and people remains at the heart of the Newlands story and always will.
Building iconic brands
The Newlands Cape Town identity will be introduced progressively across the venue over the coming months.
Together, the launches of Newlands Cape Town and Western Province Cobras represent more than new identities. They signal a renewed ambition for Western Province Cricket Association to invest in two of South African sport’s most recognisable brands, strengthen their commercial appeal and ensure they continue inspiring supporters, partners and visitors for generations to come.
One is the home. The other is the team. Together, they tell the next chapter of Western Province cricket.
ABOUT WESTERN PROVINCE CRICKET ASSOCIATION (WPCA)
The WPCA is the custodian of cricket in the Cape Metropole and oversees the development and promotion of the game across all levels, from grassroots participation to professional cricket (YesPlay WP Cobras). As one of South Africa’s most historic and successful cricket regions, WPCA plays a key role in hosting international matches at the iconic YesPlay Newlands Cape Town and growing the sport in the province.
For Media Enquiries:
Ayanda Frances Felem
ayandaf@cricket.co.za
