Mackay To Host Next Generation Of Cricket Greats

Mackay will play host to Australia’s most talented young cricketers at the Cricket Australia U19 Male National Championships in April.

Initially postponed due to the ongoing pandemic, the competition will take place across the Harrup Park Complex and Magpies Sporting Club, with the final to be played on the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Thursday the 14th of April.

Mackay hosted the U17 National Championships in 2019 and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young says the tournament will bring visitors and economic uplift to the region like it did in 2019.

“It’s an unbelievable event,” Mr Young said.

“They were fantastic not only for the club but for the region as a whole.

“A significant number of visitors come to not only play in the tournament but come to watch the tournament.

“We saw a significant increase in business during that time but there was also a buzz around the town because there were so many people visiting to watch the games.”

This is the latest case of Mackay experiencing the pinnacle of sport as the arena has previously hosted many top-level state, national, and international cricket and AFL teams.

“It will also be the opportunity for Mackay locals to see the highest quality cricket that is available in that junior age bracket,” Mr Young said.

“Some of them have already played state cricket for their respective states, some of them will go on to play for Australia.

“It’s the elite level.”

John Stock, Arena and Facilities Manager at The Great Barrier Reef Arena, said “We are very fortunate to have one of the best regional cricket facilities in the country here at Harrup Park.”

“We successfully hosted the Commonwealth Bank International Women’s Series between India and Australia, as well as 9 Weber WBBL matches in the past few months.

“It’s very exciting to now also be hosting the National Male U19’s and we look forward to seeing the stars of tomorrow show their worth in Mackay.”

Organisers expect thousands of local spectators will attend the matches over the week, while the tournament will also provide a substantial boost to the Mackay economy from visiting teams and supporters.

“Harrup Park is an ideal venue to host a competition like this because we have five turf wicket ovals at the same location and two of these are under lights,” Mr Stock said.

“This complex is ideal for tournaments – a cricketer’s dream that a lot of major capital city grounds can’t match. Mackay is very lucky to also have a fantastic facility like the Nest at Magpies Sporting Club, which equally helps to attract content like this to Mackay.”

Great Barrier Reef Arena is currently undergoing a $20 million expansion in an exciting time for the venue.

The Championships will take place from the 7th to the 14th of April 2022.

They are played in a 50 over format and feature 10 teams from all over Australia.

‍The Cricket Australia U19 Male National Championships will take place across the Harrup Park Complex and Magpies Sporting Club in April, with the final to be played on the Great Barrier Reef Arena

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