Big Bash at the double
Renegade men and women take on Sixers at Simonds Stadium
INTERNATIONAL stars will hit the Simonds Stadium turf this summer, with the Melbourne Renegades to host a Big Bash League doubleheader.
In a first for regional Victoria, the Renegades will take on the Sydney Sixers in blockbuster men’s and women’s fixtures on January 3.
Hometown hero Aaron Finch will headline the main event, joining the likes of West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo, off-spinning star Nathan Lyon and the big-hitting Cameron White.
In a major announcement at Simonds Stadium today, Sport Minister John Eren will join Renegades stars Tim Ludeman and Sophie Molineux to celebrate the historic move.
“We’re turning Kardinia Park into the best regional stadium in Australia so we can host blockbusters like this,” Mr Eren said last night.
“Bringing Big Bash to Gee- long will inspire our kids, attract visitors and create an incredible buzz around town.”
In a boost to Geelong’s hopes of gaining its own T20 franchise, the double-header will strengthen Kardinia Park’s reputation as Australia’s regional home of cricket.
Having hosted the Australian, Sri Lankan and West Indies national teams, as well as the Melbourne Stars in recent years, the match will be broadcast to 147 countries.
All eyes will be on Geelong as Big Bash League action kicks off in front of the new Brownlow Stand, lifting the stadium’s capacity to 36,000.
“This is a milestone day for the club,” Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry said.
“We’re excited to be able to bring these matches to Geelong and bring our brand of action and entertainment.
“The recent investment in the stadium speaks volumes about the future of sport in Geelong.
“We can’t wait to play in front of a packed house and I’d like to thank the Victorian Government and City of Greater Geelong for their support.”
Big Bash boss Anthony Everard expressed his excitement about bringing the competition to Geelong.
“The Geelong community has shown great enthusiasm for cricket, and the Big Bash in particular, in recent years and we are delighted to have the BBL and WBBL coming to Kardinia Park this season,” Mr Everard said.
“The Renegades have done a wonderful job of expanding the fan base for the club into Geelong and surrounds over the past several years and have seized the opportunity to bring regular season matches to the city as the Big Bash expands.
“With Big Bash matches confirmed for Geelong and Launceston, with additional markets to be confirmed shortly, the excitement is building and the prospect of more fans being able to enjoy the fast-paced family entertainment of the BBL and WBBL in their communities.”