The Otago Cricket Association launched its campaign last week triggering a response from the Canterbury Cricket Trust, which believes it will have floodlights installed at the venue within two years.
The OCA has received assurances from New Zealand Cricket it will be allocated more international fixtures if it can procure lights and lift its capacity from 5000 to a minimum of 6000.
Former chief executive Ross Dykes hinted a test against Australia in February might be the first reward.
That has the CCT spooked. It is pushing ahead with fundraising efforts but will need to raise significantly more than the $2 million price tag for the University Oval lights.
It has resource consent for retractable light towers but they are considerably more expensive.
Initial estimates ranged from $7 to $8 million.
The University Oval is not subject to the same restraints, giving Otago the upper hand in what is shaping as a race of sorts.
If all goes well, the OCA hopes to have the lights installed at the University Oval by November, two seasons before Hagley Oval would be illuminated.
The OCA is also working in partnership with the Dunedin City Council, which owns the ground and will consider a proposal to contribute $1 million during its annual budget hearings in May and June.
The project is believed to be cost-neutral for the ratepayers on the basis extra income could be derived from the improved venue.
The CCT will have to go it alone as the ratepayers in Christchurch have been burdened by big rate rises to pay for the rebuild.
The quest to light up both venues is driven by television rights. Day-night games in New Zealand make for more favourable viewing times in Asia.
