Cricket Australia has announced that the final of the fourth Big Bash League will be played in Canberra at Manuka Oval on 28 January next year.
It is the first time the tournament final will be hosted at a neutral venue, with the previous formate being the highest ranked team coming out into the grand final would host the match.
Manuka Oval has a capacity of 13,550 people, while the BBL had an average attendance of more than 18,000 a game last season, with the final attracting over 20,000 people at the WACA.
With a four-Test series against India, a tri-series of one-dayers all around a similar time as the Big Bash League, and with the ICC Cricket World Cup to follow shortly after in February, CA’s GM of Operations Mike McKenna said that pressure on venues around the country plated a part in the decision.
“We have looked at a number of options for hosting the final of the Big Bash League, given the unique summer of international cricket that lies ahead and the significant demands that will place on venues around the country.
“That consideration, combined with our efforts to further establish the BBL as a truly national competition was part of our decision making.”
The NRL and AFL, as well as football leagues around the world like the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League all employ the same model whereby the venue is chosen before the teams are decided. The concept of a neutral venue is ensured as there is no BBL team playing out of Canberra or the ACT.
“We think the concept of staging the final in the neutral territory of the nation’s capital has merit. Manuka Oval has undergone significant work in recent times to upgrade facilities for fans. We think it can provide a great backdrop to the biggest match of the tournament while exposing a new market to the excitement of the league.” McKenna said.
“It will follow two semi-finals played across the Australia Day weekend in other cities that will see teams compete for a place in the final and Champions League T20.
“Our goal is to create a carnival-like atmosphere at Manuka for the match and ensure it is a great event , much like finals of other major sporting competitions around the world which are held at neutral venues.
“Part of our consideration was around kids. In the ACT it will still be school holidays when the final is played, making it attractive for families. Given the enthusiasm Canberra has shown towards staging cricket at Manuka, we expect to be able to fill the ground and create a great atmosphere.
Andrew Barr, the ACT Deputy Chief Minister, says that investments in Manuka Oval have paid off in making it the “best boutique cricket venue in the country.”
“I am sure Canberra cricket fans will come in their droves, and we are confident tickets will sell out quickly.”
With a capacity of under 14,000, it should seem an easy sell.
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