The changing face of the ground

The face of the Sydney Cricket Ground has changed considerably since the first cricket match was played there in 1877. Developments included a new entrance from Moore Park Road, construction of the Hill Stand (also known as the Bob Stand) in 1895, the Members' Pavilion in 1886 and the Ladies' Stand in 1896. Other stands have come and gone including the Northern Stand and the Sheridan Stand. Scoreboards have also changed from the original 'Ned Gregory Scoring Board' (1896) to the 'Robertson and Marks Scoreboard' (1924) to the modern electronic video scoreboard. Scoreboards and the field itself have become multi-purpose, as during the twentieth century, the SCG became the venue for a diverse range of sports, such as rugby league and Australian Rules Football.

Crowds pressed up against the picket fences straining to get the best view and spectators competed for the best grassy patch on the famous Hill. Although there were always slight hills around the ground, The Hill itself was thought to have been developed during the late 1890s. The Hill has long held an important place in the heart of the SCG crowds and added to the atmosphere at cricket games.