The 2014 Major League Baseball season is set to begin in Sydney, with two games between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground next March.
The games, which are scheduled for March 22 and 23, will be the first MLB games ever played on Australian soil.
It is expected that the Sydney Cricket Ground surface would need to undergo a significant transformation to allow for an infield clay area, pitcher’s mound, dugouts and additional grandstand to be constructed.
The SCG does have a history with baseball – albeit a distant one – with the Chicago White Sox playing a combined NSW team at the ground in 1914.
News Limited are reporting that the games are expected deliver $13 million to the local economy.
The NSW Government are expected to formally make an announcement at the Sydney Opera House today.
More to come.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
NBA has really taken off in the UK since Deng became one of the Bulls star players. If it makes financial sense, NBA franchises will go anywhere.
Alex
Guest
I know, that's why I only mentioned the NBA because it would work. Considering scheduling for the NFL
Frankie Hughes
Guest
The NBA and NFL go to London each year as the Poms go by their 1000s to watch those sports. NBA and NFL are bigger in England than in Australia.
Alex
Guest
Here's an idea I've had for a while, feel free to add input or critisicse. In London on the 17th Janary the Knicks and Pistons played a regular season nba match. Why isn't their one in Australia, maybe with western conference teams each year, alternating every year. The game could be played in either Sydney or Melbourne depending on venue availability etc... It would allow the teams to try and cement an even bigger legitimate fan base, not just people who say they go for a team because they decided to buy a Snap back. It could create a renewed interest in the game locally, and the tourism aspect from Asia would also be quite high... Just blue skying this, let me know what you think.
Matt Man
Roar Rookie
I remember this happening during the handball in the 2000 Olympics and the NFL preseason game in 1999 between the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers. It got very annoying and made the crowd feel like idiots who forked out money for something they supposedly know nothing about. Some people in Australia actually enjoy and know something about sports not prevalent in Australia. I honestly hope the baseball games will be as authentic as possible.
Riddos
Guest
This is great, hope it goes well and becomes a regular occurence plus leads to a gain in interest in the ABL. Live streaming has led to a big rise in local following of MLB and NBA and think there will be big interest in this.
William
Guest
Is it televised on Network Ten or One?
B.A Sports
Guest
i'll be there. it will be a great atmosphere. - probably the last time the SCG gets filled up, so the NSW Govt need to get somebody in there! Don't under estimate the number of MLB fans in this country and in Asia who will make the trip.
abnutta
Guest
I'll be there. It's not Brooklyn, but the LA Dodgers will do!
Sailosi
Guest
Am I dreaming, I wet myself when I heard this. Even as a Padres fan I can't wait. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
damoinaus
Roar Pro
While this is a great win for the NSW Government, I reckon these games will turn out to be duds. Imagine the atmosphere...a neutral crowd, with so many baseball novices in a ground not built for baseball. By the bottom of the 3rd Inning, everyone will be bored wondering what the point of coming was. There's just no context. They'll also have some lame-o interrupting every play to explain over the PA what's going on... It will be a nice novelty at best.
Ernie Blackmore
Guest
Didn't the Sydney Blues played on the SCG in 1996?
josh
Roar Rookie
Wonder why the White Sox didn't get the gig, to play on the 100 years link etc...