Geelong will host two Big Bash League games this summer, organisers announced yesterday.
Melbourne Renegade’s will take to Kardinia Park’s stadium twice for the upcoming BBL09 season.
The first match will be the side’s season-opener against Sydney Thunder on 19 December before a Perth Scorchers game on 7 January.
Mayor Bruce Harwood was “rapt” Geelong would host the Renegade’s first match for the season.
“The Renegades have become a highlight of Geelong’s summer sporting calendar,” he said.
“I’m sure the people of our region will fill the stands and create a genuine home atmosphere for the defending champions.“
The upcoming season marks the third consecutive year the Renegades have hosted matches in Geelong.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive officer Gerard Griffin said the Renegades had “truly left their mark” on Geelong.
“I look forward to seeing the Stadium full of red, as local fans once again enjoy all the excitement and action of BBL Cricket,” he said.
Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said the team’s fan base in Geelong was “strong and growing quickly”.
“To open the season at GMHBA Stadium will be a great way to begin our campaign,” he said.
The BBL09 season will run from 17 December to 27 January, almost two weeks shorter than last year’s.
A new-look, five-team finals series has also been introduced for season to better reward teams that finish in the top two.
GMHBA Stadium has become home of big time cricket in regional Victoria, having hosted Australian, Sri Lankan and West Indian national sides.
The stadium will also host six matches as part of the T20 World Cup in October next year.
