The Andrews Labor Government has announced the Big Bash League will be back in Geelong in a big way in 2019, with GMHBA Stadium hosting the Melbourne Renegades WBBL and BBL teams in two double headers in January.
The double header on 3 January will feature the Renegades versus the Hurricanes in the WBBL and the Renegades versus the Strikers in the BBL, while the 13 January extravaganza will showcase the Renegades versus the Sixers in the WBBL and the Renegades versus the Heat in the BBL.
Both Renegades teams continue to bowl over the fans and feature high profile players including hometown hero and Australian player Aaron Finch, and Australian star allrounder Sophie Molineux.
If last year’s event is any indication there’ll be bumper crowds and a broadcast audience of over 1.3 million people.
Leading up to the clash, both Renegades teams will host cricket clinics for local schools and a Family Day with an extra WBBL points game against the Brisbane Heat, a BBL intraclub practice game, junior clinics, and come and try sessions at the Geelong Cricket Club Oval in Kardinia Park on 16 December.
This Big Bash double header was secured through the latest round of the Labor Government’s $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program and the $20 million Regional Events Fund.
The Significant Sporting Events Program will secure more than 300 sporting events for Victoria over the next four years of which more than half will be held in regional Victoria, bringing competitors and tourists to local towns, stimulating local economies and getting more Victorians active and healthy through sport.
Since 2014, the Labor Government’s Regional Events Fund has supported over 160 regional events, providing jobs for locals and improving the liveability of our regions.
This double header is off the back of the recent announcement that the ICC World T20 is heading to Australia with the new and improved Kardinia Park – funded by the Labor Government – locked in to host matches for the tournament with the MCG to host the men’s and women’s final.
As noted by Minister for Sport John Eren
"Whether for footy, cricket, soccer or carols by candlelight, we had 329,493 people through the gates of Kardinia Park last financial year and with events like this we’ll surpass that total."
As noted by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"Events like these showcase the best of Geelong – attracting more visitors, creating jobs, keeping local businesses busy and inspiring our next generation of cricketers."
As noted by Renegades representative
"I encourage cricket fans to block out these dates and secure their seats as we put on a world class cricket show in regional Victoria."
