IT'S No.1 Sportsground as you've never seen it - stripped of its turf and resembling more of a quarry than a playing field.
The Newcastle venue is undergoing earthmoving works to extend the field size, install a sub-soil irrigation and drainage system, and allow for lighting upgrades.
Work commenced on the near $6 million City of Newcastle project in September.
The new field will allow for AFL pre-season matches and include seven new cricket wickets.
New sight screens, player benches and oval fencing will also be constructed.
Concrete seating for an additional 390 spectators on the Parry Street side of the ground will almost double its current seated capacity.
Six 40-metre light towers will be installed, but additional temporary lighting would need to be brought in to meet the standard required for televised matches.
The playing field, which is understood to have not been returfed for at least 30 years, will reopen in October.
"No.1 Sportsground has not seen a significant redevelopment such as this since it was constructed in 1922," Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
