Hopes of a full house as Big Bash party comes to town

MELBOURNE Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry says there’s no reason why a capacity crowd can’t witness tonight’s first Big Bash League game in Geelong.

The Renegades’ venture into Geelong has been six years in the making after they agreed with rival club Melbourne Stars to split their marketing ventures in Victoria.

The Stars took the east and the Renegades took the west, with Geelong becoming the home away from home for the cricketers in red.

Tonight sees the club finally make its GMHBA Stadium debut, with Melbourne Renegades’ women hosting the Sydney Sixers at 2.20pm before the men’s game at 7.10pm.

“The real clincher of it all was the terrific venue,” Coventry said.

“It’s a great venue, not just for any type of sport, but very much for cricket as well.

“With close to 30,000 ca- pacity, box.”

Now all that’s left is for people to turn up.

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive Michael Brown said the stadium’s atmosphere would be one of excitement.

“Ticket sales have been very strong but there are still plenty of tickets available for people to pre-purchase or for people to walk up to the stadium,” Mr Brown said.

“We are hoping for a really big crowd to show what Gee- it really ticks every long can do.” Crowds are expected to travel from Melbourne and other parts of Western Victoria and the coast to watch the family-friendly clash.

“(Hosting the event) shows that the Government’s investment in the stadium is really being realise. We had 5000 people come to the Christmas Carols and are expecting another 25,000 to watch Melbourne Victory,” Mr Brown said.

“We want to get as many events as we can to show the Government and Melbourne what a great facility we have.”

Coventry said a near capacity crowd would encourage the club to return to Geelong next summer.

For comparison, Hobart Hurricanes averaged a home crowd of 17,570 last season, while Perth Scorchers were next best with 20,567.

“Geelong is classed as a regional venue but it’s really not that regional only being an hour from Melbourne,” he said. “We just want to make sure that it all goes according to plan and if it is a great success, we’d love to go back and play more games there.

“We just want to have a great entertainment spectacular.”

The Renegades women face the Sydney Sixers from 2.20pm before the corresponding men’s clash kicks off at 7.10pm.

General admission tickets start at $20 for adults and $5 for kids. The ground’s carpark will open at 1pm while kids activities will be located at the site from 1pm.