A recent New Zealand Cricket decision has some exciting ramifications for the Bay Cricket Oval at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui.

Bay Oval.

New Zealand Cricket has got serious about Twenty20 cricket signing HRV to a three year sponsorship agreement and creating a standalone window in January 2010 when all the Black Caps will be available to play.
A major beneficiary of the new format is the Bay Cricket Oval who have been allocated three matches in the summer holiday season. The prime dates of the second and third of January will see the Northern Knights face the Auckland Aces and the Otago Volts with the Wellington Firebirds the Knights opponents on the 15th January.
Bay of Plenty Cricket had long held a desire to develop Blake Park into a purpose-built first class (international) cricket ground. While in the past Blake Park had hosted major association one-day matches it was a case of making the best use of the facilities that were available.
The Blake Park redevelopment has been designed to have a ‘village green' atmosphere. Up to ten thousand spectators will be able to witness the frenetic action of one-day cricket action.
Last summer two State T20 matches were allocated to the Bay Cricket Oval. While the first against the Otago Volts was rained out, the Oval passed its first big test on Sunday 22 February 2009 when 4000 people turned up to watch the Northern Knights take on the Wellington Firebirds.
The development of the BOP Cricket Oval at Blake Park recently took another step forward with the establishment of the Bay of Plenty Cricket Trust
The purpose of the new body is to manage and develop what will be New Zealand's latest international venue. The primary objectives of the new Trust are to develop the BOP Cricket Oval to an international standard and to provide facilities that meet the NZ Cricket requirement for the allocation of international games.
Long serving BOP Cricket Business Manager Kelvin Jones, will be in charge of the BOP Cricket Trust. Kelvin will bring a myriad of cricket experience and knowledge to develop the ground into a first class cricket venue.
The four trustees bring a wide range of different skills and experiences to the Trust. BOP Cricket Board members Chris Rapson (Chairman) and Paul Hickson will provide a cricket perspective, while well-known Western Bay businesspeople Neil Craig and Sally Morrison, will bring their skills and knowledge to the table.