Wednesday, December 4, 2024
The Allan Labor Government is ushering in a thrilling summer of cricket in Victoria, with the iconic Melbourne Boxing Day Test taking center stage at the MCG. Adding to the excitement, the Summer Festival in Yarra Park will offer a vibrant mix of entertainment both inside and outside the stadium, creating an unforgettable experience for cricket fans and families alike.
Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, joined Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley, Melbourne Renegades WBBL champion Nicole Faltum, and Victoria player Todd Murphy at the MCG to announce the three-day festival. Set to take place alongside the Boxing Day Test, the festival promises to be a celebration of cricket, culture, and community.
A Bigger and Better Boxing Day Test Experience
This year’s Boxing Day Test is set to be bigger than ever before, with a spectacular Summer Festival in Yarra Park offering family-friendly activities to complement the action inside the MCG. The festival will highlight the strong connection between India and Victoria, featuring a dynamic program of food, music, art, and cricket. Visitors can expect a blend of live music, Bollywood dance performances, food truck delights, celebrity chef demonstrations, and exciting pop-up cricket games.
Each morning, cricket experts will provide a preview of the day’s play, while big screens in Yarra Park will keep everyone up to date with the action from inside the ground. The festival runs for the first three days of the Boxing Day Test, bringing the cricket community together in a lively celebration of the sport.
The Women’s Ashes Test Adds Another Historic Moment
Looking ahead to January, the Women’s Ashes Test between Australia and England will bring even more historic cricket action to the MCG. The Summer Festival will continue to celebrate this exciting event, providing a cultural backdrop that captures the spirit of cricket and the diverse communities that call Victoria home.
Record Ticket Sales and International Interest
As the Boxing Day Test approaches, ticket sales have already broken records, with sales more than double those at the same stage in the 2018/19 season. International fans are also showing strong interest, with more than 10 percent of tickets already sold to visitors from abroad. In 2018, more than 176,000 fans packed the MCG during the Test series between India and Australia, and this year is poised to exceed that number.
Post-Match Entertainment and Pro Kabaddi Action
For those craving more excitement after the third day of the Test match, the Summer Festival offers an added bonus. Fans will be able to head over to John Cain Arena to witness the first-ever professional Kabaddi matches played in Australia. Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid will feature a thrilling double-header between Indian and Australian sporting superstars, showcasing the second most popular sport in India, behind cricket.
Victoria’s Full Cricket Calendar and Blockbuster Events
Beyond the Boxing Day Test and the Women’s Ashes Test, Victoria’s cricket calendar also includes thrilling Big Bash League matches throughout December and January, as well as a women’s Ashes one-day international. These events are part of Victoria’s broader entertainment offering, which also includes iconic events like the Australian Open, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the Yayoi Kusama Exhibition at the NGV.
Together, these events contribute to Victoria’s booming $39.2 billion visitor economy, making the state a must-visit destination for both international and domestic travelers this summer. Whether you’re a cricket fan or simply looking for a fun-filled family experience, Victoria’s summer of cricket offers something for everyone.
