CRICKET returns to Adelaide Oval today but northern hill fans will be met with a far different sight to the one they are used to.

The first stage of the ground's $535 million redevelopment was officially unveiled yesterday, with more than 800sq/m of timber-decked entertainment space the main addition.

Built alongside the historic Adelaide Oval scoreboard and wrapped around the area's famous Moreton Bay Fig trees, the area boasts new food and drink outlets as well as toilets.

Below the 2100sq m of remaining grassy mound are 2800 new seats.

Coupled with a standing room capacity of 3500 people, the finished stage brings the Oval's current capacity to more than 20,000 people.

Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority chief executive Andrew Daniels has given his "personal guarantee" the remaining stages - the southern and eastern stands - also will be completed on schedule.

"Not just me, but the 900 guys who will be working onsite here next year are all absolutely fixed on achieving every one of our deadlines," he said.

The southern stand - due for completion in October next year in time for the Ashes - will take the Oval's capacity to 35,000.

The eastern stand is expected to be completed in March 2014, in time for football's return to the Oval.

It will take the capacity to 53,500 and, as Mr Daniels alluded to yesterday, make Adelaide Oval the site of more than just cricket and football.

"We're not in a position as yet to announce anything but I can assure you that with this redevelopment there's been an enormous amount of interest from other sports, from other music promoters about this fantastic location," he said.

"So often in the past Adelaide has missed out on major concerts and major events, this is going to be the new drawcard to ensure we don't miss out into the future."

In terms of naming rights for the new stands, Mr Daniels would not rule out the possibility of Sir Donald Bradman's name gracing a new stand at Adelaide Oval but confirmed both football and cricket greats would feature.

"There is a lot of work being done on namings and more will be revealed shortly," he said.

"I can assure you that whatever naming does occur - and will occur - it will be a very even split between football and cricket recognising the greats from both of those terrific sports."

Originally published as Steps in order for Oval overhaul