Although it operates under the sponsorship-based name of Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, this cricket ground in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal is more commonly referred to as “Kingsmead". The 25 000-seater Stadium is within walking distance from Durban’s famous Indian Ocean coastline and is the home ground of the 'Sunfoil Dolphins'. The ground incorporates traditional grass banks, as well as towering modern Stands. Kingsmead has witnessed some of South African cricket’s finest moments. It staged its first Test match on 18 January 1923, a game between South Africa and England that resulted in a draw. Kingsmead has been the host venue for the annual Boxing Day Test, when the Test is held in South Africa, but from the 2013/14 season the match will be played at Super Sport Park in Centurion. Since the 1980’s, the ground has been extensively redeveloped with new stands at the Umgeni and Old Fort Road ends, but the old main grandstand remains as a reminder of past glories. The pitch is laid slightly Below Sea Level and local folklore maintains that when the tide comes in during the late afternoon, the water table rises, offering unexpected movement to seam bowlers. Many batting collapses in past matches have (jokingly) been blamed on the changes in the tide. The Stadium is used every other year as the finishing point of the Comrades Marathon, the annual ultra-marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Because the marathon alternates directions each year, it only finishes in Durban in odd-numbered years. Sahara Stadium Kingsmead showcases 8 Function Rooms; ideal for corporate conferences, executive board meetings, product launches, weddings, birthdays, and cocktail parties. It is also able to host outdoor events such as music concerts, festivals, and road shows.
"Little more than a stone's throw from the ocean, Kingsmead is located in humid Durban, home to sandy beaches and surfing. The ground has played host to tests since January 1923 when England and South Africa played to out a draw. In 1939 England and South Africa played a timeless Test, which also ended in a draw when England had to catch the boat home.
Highlights in the history of Kingsmead include South Africa's innings and 129-run demolition of Australia, in February 1970, when Graeme Pollock and Barry Richards, thrashed the Australian bowling to all parts of the ground as they scored 274 and 140 respectively.
The ground certainly has had its highs and lows. South Africa amassed 658 for 9 against West Indies in 2003, but India were skittled for just 66 in 1996. In 2003 Kingsmead staged the World Cup semi-final between India and Kenya.
Kingsmead's easterly location - but within the same time zone as the rest of South Africa - means it is prone to bad light and the humid climate can result in powerful thunderstorms. The ground still incorporates traditional grass banks, as well as towering modern stands. Being in the centre of Durban makes it easily accessible by public transport, or on foot, but parking is limited."
Andrew McGlashan (May 2005)