New Chance For Fans To See Diamondbacks And Dodgers In Sydney

Sports fans will get another chance to be a part of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Major League Baseball in Sydney with two new exhibition games to be played in the lead up to the MLB Opening Series in March 2014, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announced today.

The two games will see an Australian All Stars side take on the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“This is exciting news for families who’ve been unable to get tickets to the MLB Opening Series,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“The MLB Opening Series games have proved to be some of the hottest tickets in town and these two exhibitions games will give 80,000 fans another opportunity to secure tickets.”

The announcement comes as Sydney this week welcomes MLB’s AJ Ellis, of the LA Dodgers, and Patrick Corbin, of the Arizona Diamondbacks, along with representatives from both teams for a promotional visit to Sydney ahead of the Opening Series next year.

Sports Minister Gabrielle Upton said the exhibition games will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 March 2014, in the lead up to the MLB Opening Series matches.

“We are all looking forward to March when these two teams battle it out at the Sydney Cricket Ground – where the last baseball game was played in 1914,” Ms Upton said.

“It’s fantastic that Australian fans are being given further opportunities to see the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in action and further confirms Sydney as Australia’s home for major events.

“It will also be a great opportunity for some of Australia’s brightest young baseball stars to impress on the big stage against some of the world’s best.”

Moore Sports Director, Jason Moore, expressed his delight at providing fans with another chance to be part of a moment in sporting history.

“With the overwhelming response from sports fans from around the world, and with only a handful of tickets left to the two Opening Series games, we are delighted to be able to provide even more opportunities to see some of the best baseball players on the planet in action,” he said.

“This is a once in a lifetime experience and with tickets from only $29, everyone has the chance to experience the excitement of Major League Baseball at the SCG.”

Earlier this year the NSW Government, in partnership with Moore Sports and the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, announced it had won the rights for Sydney to host the Opening Series of Major League Baseball in 2014 – the first time such a match will be held in Australia and only the sixth time it’s been held outside the United States.

The MLB Opening Series is expect to deliver $13 million in direct visitor impact for the local economy, as well as be shown to a massive global television audience, showcasing Australia’s global city.