The summer schedule at Great Barrier Reef is filling up with Queensland Cricket confirming three matches will be staged in Mackay in the 2023-24 season.
The recently upgraded venue will host the WBBL Brisbane Heat in the Weber Women’s Big Bash League for the sixth time while the Queensland Bulls return to the region for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
The Heat will come up against the reigning title holders Adelaide Strikers for a Saturday night showdown on Saturday, November 11.
The Strikers eliminated the Heat in last season’s preliminary final, ensuring November’s match to be a thriller.
In keeping with Queensland Cricket’s ongoing commitment to bringing top level cricket to regional centres, the Queensland Bulls will make a return to Mackay, playing a Marsh Sheffield Shield game and Marsh One Day match against Victoria in October.
The Sheffield Shield game will run from October 14-17 October and the One Dayer will be played on October 19.
Prior to the arrival of the Bulls and the Heat, Mackay will host one-day and four-day matches featuring Australia A and New Zealand A from September 4.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a massive coup for the region to be able to host so many top class cricket matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
“This venue has gone from strength to strength, and it will be tremendous to be able to showcase it, and our region, to international audiences,” he said.
“Mackay crowds love their cricket, and I have no doubt they will be out in force to support our elite Queensland and Australian teams.
“It really is fantastic to see the young fans able to interact with their sporting heroes and see them in action in their hometown.
Acting Queensland Cricket CEO Liam Hibbert said the return of the WBBL and re-introduction of domestic men’s cricket to the Mackay-Whitsunday region would continue to help with growing the game.
“The support for cricket from the areas remains strong and we are very pleased to partner again with the Mackay Regional Council, Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association to bring top class matches and teams to Great Barrier Reef Arena,’’ he said.
Tickets for Weber WBBL|09 matches will be available on August 24.
The WBBL Brisbane Heat and the Queensland Bulls will return to Mackay late this year. Photo supplied: Great Barrier Reef Arena