City of Coffs Harbour has this morning been confirmed to host a dream clash in the coming Big Bash League (BBL) 2024/25 summer.
The 3 January limited over cricket match at the City’s C.ex Coffs International Stadium will pit the powerhouse Sydney Sixers against the reigning champions, Brisbane Heat.
“This has all the ingredients of a blockbuster. It’s fantastic news and a massive crowd is all but assured,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said.
“The Sixers are always heavyweight contenders and it doesn’t get any bigger than an all-or-nothing clash against the Heat.”
The highly anticipated full season KFC BBL|14 draw was released today and it will see the Sixers fifth annual trip to Coffs.
“We have absolutely loved our time in Coffs over the past few years. The local community has embraced the club and makes us feel so welcome,” Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes said.
“The turnout in Coffs last summer was incredible. The atmosphere at the venue is second to none and we can’t wait to pack the place out again in January.”
First taking the Big Bash to the Mid North Coast in BBL|09, the Sixers have made Coffs Harbour a home away from home in the years since, with sold-out crowds now a permanent fixture.
Last summer’s sold-out clash in Coffs saw a crowd of 10,372, officially marking the second biggest crowd at the venue, behind only the NRL fixture between South Sydney and Newcastle a decade earlier.
“The Sixers and the Heat met in last season’s decider so fans will be circling 3 January in their calendar,” City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.
“Buckle up and assume the brace position for this mouth-watering clash.”
Coffs Harbour has been treated to some of the Big Bash’s very best in recent years, most notably Steve Smith’s BBL|12 heroics, with the superstar smashing a record-breaking century - the first for the Sixers men’s side in the history of the competition.
Ms Haynes said the Sixers thrive on the support they receive at the International Stadium.
“We extend our thanks to the City of Coffs Harbour for its ongoing support of the Sixers and we look forward to working together to bring the best possible experience to our members and supporters in Coffs Harbour.”
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Sydney Sixers KFC BBL|14 squad to date: Greg Shipperd (coach), Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk.
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Brisbane Heat squad to date: Johan Botha (coach) Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson.