SYDNEY STEPS UP TO THE PLATE WITH BASEBALL SUCCESS

The NSW Government’s decision to invest in bringing the Opening Series of Major League Baseball to Sydney for the first time has paid off with news the event generated more than $27.1 million in visitor spend.

The event was secured by the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, in partnership with the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust and Moore Sports.

More than 100,000 sporting fans including 37,200 overseas, interstate and Regional NSW visitors descended on Sydney for the Opening Series between the L.A Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks at the Sydney Cricket Ground in March this year.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said after the success of securing the Major League Baseball Opening Series, the action has certainly not stopped in Australia’s major events capital.

An estimated global TV audience of around 168 million households joined visitors to watch this rare Australian sporting first,” Mrs Chipchase said.

“The success of hosting the Opening Series of Major League Baseball cements Sydney’s position as Australia leading sports and major events destination.

“Not only did visitors enjoy the world class sport on offer, but they explored our harbour city and regions and spent money on shopping, in cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and tourist attractions.

“Following on from Major League Baseball, Sydney and NSW have a bonanza of sporting events this winter, including Italian football giants Juventus taking on the Foxtel A-League All Stars on Sunday night, the Bledisloe Cup rugby union clash the following weekend, Sydney 400 Supercar Race Weekend, the Bingham Cup in Sydney and the Australian Surf Festival,” she said.