Otago Cricket and the Dunedin City Council erected a 30m by 10m tent over the University Oval pitch block and surrounds last night in a bid to ensure the ground is ready for Sunday's twenty/20 domestic final between Otago and Canterbury.
Otago Cricket chief executive Ross Dykes said the pitch needed better protection than standard covers given the weather forecast for this week and the conditions which prevailed over the past few days.
Cricket authorities met council officials yesterday afternoon and the large tent was put up last night.
Mr Dykes said the marquee would enable groundsman Tom Tamati and his staff to get on to the pitch block and possibly use large industrial driers to help dry the pitch.
The pitch needed some work after the weekend rain and there were puddles on the outfield yesterday.
The tent covers three pitches and surrounds.
Mr Dykes is hoping for a sell-out 3000-strong crowd for Sunday's final.
About 400 tickets were sold yesterday and Otago Cricket was fielding inquiries from throughout the province.
From today, tickets can be purchased at Otago Daily Times offices throughout the South, as well as at the University Oval and the State Insurance branch in George St, Dunedin.
There is no reserve day for the final, and ticket-holders will get their money back if the match is washed out.
