Fans power push to upsize WBBL venues
A RETURN to Australia’s biggest stadiums is on the cards next year as the Women’s Big Bash League looks to build on a successful season free of the bubbles, hubs and logistical nightmares that plagued world sport during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This season’s WBBL was played at smaller venues across the country, with more than 6000 fans heading to North Sydney Oval to see the Strikers beat the Sixers for their first title.
Blocks of games were played in certain cities to reduce travel, but that could change next season with plans to spread the action across markets more evenly to ensure fans don’t have to wait too long between matches.
Strong support in the stands and on TV has Big Bash Leagues general manager Alistair Dobson eyeing plans to return to major grounds for the first time since the 2018-19 season when matches were played at the SCG, MCG, Marvel Stadium, the Gabba, WACA, Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval.
Not all games would be at the major venues, but the plan would be to host blockbusters as stand-alone fixtures at grounds that are more comfortable for the spectators and better for broadcasters.
“The schedule itself is something we’re looking ahead to, and we’ve been speaking to the players, coaches and clubs pretty regularly about that,” Dobson said.
“Getting more games into each market is going to be important. We’d love to be bold enough that big games can be played in bigger stadiums.
“Our fans are telling us that they want to come and watch, our players are telling us they want to play in bigger stadiums, so I’d love to think we can explore that next season.”