Tickets are now available for the Australia v Bangladesh international cricket test from 13-17 August.The event is expected to draw in tens of thousands of visitors, reinforcing the Territory’s position as the best place for sport and major events.Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering a jam-packed pipeline of events as we grow our visitor economy and restore our unique Territory lifestyle.
The long wait for international test cricket is finally over for Territory cricket fans, as public general tickets open for the blockbuster Australia v Bangladesh Test from 13-17 August.
Over the five-days of world-class cricket, the Territory will once again be under the global spotlight, showing that there’s no better place to live, work, visit, and invest.
Coming on the back of record-breaking crowds at the footy, Finke, and cultural events, the August test match is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors, in a boost to local businesses, local jobs, and the Territory economy. Last year’s T20 Internationals between Australia and South Africa saw a combined attendance of more than 20,000 people.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby said that bringing Test cricket back to the Territory was about growing the visitor economy and restoring the Territory lifestyle.
“I’m thrilled that in our year of growth, certainty, and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is bringing Test cricket back to the Territory after 22 years,” Minister Boothby said.
“There’s nothing like the energy of a Test match in Darwin, and we are proud to kickstart an historic summer of cricket right here in the Top End.”
“We’re backing sport and major events because they attract visitors to see more, do more, and spend more in the Territory – filling our hotels, bars, tour operators, and restaurants.”
“We also know that Territorians love their sport – especially their cricket. It’s a huge part of our unique lifestyle here in the Territory, and we are absolutely committed to restoring that lifestyle for a new generation of Territorians once again.”
Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls, said that the test match was unmissable.
“This is a historic Test match that Territorians simply won’t want to miss. The last time Test cricket was played in Darwin, a young Jake Weatherald was sitting in the stands dreaming of playing for Australia,” Minister Charls said.
“Now, he’s local royalty taking to the pitch himself. We hope bringing Test cricket back to the Territory inspires even more homegrown superstars to follow in his footsteps.”
“We’re expecting thousands of passionate fans to fill TIO Stadium across the match, and the atmosphere is going to be electric. Tickets will go fast, so we urge everyone to secure their seats early and be a part of Top End sporting history.”
Australian Men’s Cricket player and Territorian, Jake Weatherald, said that he was hoping for a huge turnout of fans as test cricket returned to the Territory.
“It’s fantastic that Test cricket will return to Darwin after 22 years and I hope we get a huge turn out from local fans,” Mr Weatherald said.
“The chance to see the national team will inspire a lot of kids to pick up a bat and ball like it did with me and will give cricket in the Territory a big boost.”
“I’m really excited by the possibility of playing in front of family and friends up here and taking on what will be a strong Bangladesh line-up.”
CEO of Cricket NT, Gavin Dovey said that the Territory was looking forward to welcoming both the Australian and the Bangladeshi men’s test teams to Darwin in August.
“Our ability to host international cricket during the Australian winter presents an incredible opportunity for both the Northern Territory and Australian cricket, and it is wonderful to see that opportunity being realised,” Mr Dovey said.
“Last year’s T20 Internationals here in Darwin sold out in record time, and with tickets now on sale for the Test Match, we encourage fans to put in their leave requests for the Thursday and Friday and secure seats early.”
“With limited reserved grandstand seating available, demand is expected to be strong, particularly from fans wanting to lock in one of the best views of Test cricket’s return to the Top End.”
Territorians can secure their general admission ticket for just $32 for adults, $11 for children, or bring the whole family for $69 (2 adults, 2 children). Reserved grandstand tickets start from $22 for a child. Tickets and information are available at: www.ticketek.com.au
