Cricket fans from across the Territory and Australia are expected to flock to Alice Springs’ TIO Traeger Park today for the Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League (BBL) season opener at 1.15pm ACST.

Today’s blockbuster match is part of the Territory Labor Government’s deal with the Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Australia to bring BBL to the Red Centre.

It is anticipated nearly 900,000 people will tune into the free-to-air broadcast to watch the Hurricanes make their season debut.

Local businesses and the Territory economy will also receive a welcome boost from the game, with cricket officials, teams and television broadcasters travelling to Central Australia for the much-anticipated match.

The Hobart Hurricanes have been active in the community with a number of fan engagement activities including an open training session and a visit to the Desert Hoops basketball project.

Gates open at 12pm, with the first ball set to be bowled at 1.15pm ACST.

For more information visit https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ALHURRI20&v=ATP

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“December is a big month for cricket fans everywhere and the Territory Labor Government is proud to bring this Big Bash League fixture to the Red Centre.

“Alice Springs locals deserve to get to see their sporting heroes in their own backyard, and we know that these events help boost the local economy by increasing visitation to Central Australia and supporting Territory businesses.

“I would encourage sports lovers of all ages to get to the game to see some of Australia’s best cricketers in action and to get behind Territorian and NT Sportsperson of the year, D’Arcy Short.”

Quotes from Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield:

“Today’s BBL match at TIO Traegar Park is an exciting event for our town and we’re all looking forward to the Hurricanes taking on the Sixers in the season opener.

“We know that BBL games attract strong national and international TV audiences, which is great to promote Central Australia as a place to come and visit.”

Quotes from Cricket Tasmania CEO, Dominic Baker:

"As a club we are very excited to be coming to Alice Springs to play at Traeger Park in our season opener. In building on the existing relationship we have with Northern Territory Cricket through our pre-season camps and participation in the TIO Strike League, it’s a natural progression to be bringing the team back during the season for our match against the Sydney Sixers.

“We’re grateful for the support from the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company. It ensures that we can deliver a product to the same standards as we would in Tasmania, ensuring that Territorians can experience the best of cricket without having to travel interstate.”

Media Contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858