BLACKTOWN STEPS UP TO THE PLATE FOR BASEBALL EVENT

Western Sydney will host a World Baseball Classic Qualifier in 2016, which will feature some of the world’s best players competing for a spot in the prestigious event. Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the event, secured by the NSW Government through Destination NSW will provide a big boost for the visitor economy of Western Sydney.

“The World Baseball Classic sees the winner awarded the title of ‘World Champion’. I am pleased this qualifying event has been secured for Western Sydney, joining a raft of other major sporting events won for the area,” Mr Ayres said.

“The tournament will feature Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Philippines in a 6-game, 4-day tournament to be held in February 2016, with the winner qualifying for the 2016 World Baseball Classic. The event is expected to attract over 1,000 domestic and overseas visitors to Western Sydney, generating almost $1.5 million in visitor expenditure and providing a massive boost to the hotels, businesses and restaurants in the area.

“NSW is the Australian home of baseball. NSW also secured the Opening Series of the 2014 Major League Baseball competition between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and the World Baseball Classic Qualifier is another great baseball win for the State. I encourage all baseball fans to get out to Blacktown and cheer on Team Australia in this important tournament,” he said.

The event will be held at held at the Blacktown International Sportspark on February 11-14, 2016.