Cricket crowd to hit capacity

KARDINIA Park is on track to host the largest international cricket crowd seen at a regional Australian venue when the ICC T20 World Cup opens on Sunday.

Geelong will host six matches across five days, featuring Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Namibia and UAE.

As of Friday, about 18,000 tickets – almost capacity amid the stadium redevelopment works – had been pre-sold for the first double-header.

That is already more than the crowd for the 2017 clash between Australia and Sri Lanka at the same venue, and above any international cricket crowd at a regional venue in at least the past decade.

ICC T20 World Cup chief executive Michelle Enright said the Sri Lankan supporters would create an incredible atmosphere, thanks to many of the more than 50,000 Melbourne-based Sri Lanka-born population making a day of it in Geelong.

“We already know that the Sri Lankans have got tremendous support in Victoria and I know the colour, energy and passion of their fans will take over the stadium and they’ll surround it with blue and gold,” Ms Enright said.

The noise will largely be emanating from the festive Melbourne Papare Band – before, during and after the game – with the group making a point of supporting local businesses during its visit.

The group has already plan

ned its after-party at the Barwon Club Hotel, with owner Matt McCartin preparing to welcome the crowd.

“We’re really lucky and the town’s lucky to have the stadium in the middle of town and all businesses in proximity benefit,” Mr McCartin said.

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy called it “a thrilling time for Geelong” and expected a massive economic benefit.

“It’s just an exciting time for the city after the Cats’ win and White Night, so the momentum for people really getting out and about is here,” he said.

“These matches will be televised live throughout the world, so these countries will see our city on the big screen. The ... flow-on effect in an economic sense will be huge.”

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said the event “reaffirms our region’s strength in hosting major events”.

Get in early to snap up remaining tickets for Sunday. Adult tickets are $20, children’s (2-16 years) are $5.