I think a lot of the time it’s not just about adding more seats, it’s about all the hospitality, bars, eateries, etc. that they want to add in to generate even more money. Going to watch live sport used to be primarily about the sport itself, now it’s packaged as an inclusive “experience” that can be sold to a wider market.
Shame about Newlands but for the most part, cricket seems to be doing the right thing by keeping historic elements of the ground and developing around them and some of the modern design at grounds like the Adelaide Oval, Lords or Old Trafford are impressive in their own right.
I’ve always fancied taking a trip to Galle to watch the cricket on top of the old fort there. I assume it’s free or at least you just pay to enter the museum. You only ever see English fans up there baking in the heat but then you know what they say about mad dogs and Englishmen …
Hospitality is big business now and I agree the concept of watching sport has changed as it is a day out with all the trimmings thrown in.