- Sydney Thunder will play their four home games in the Big Bash League this summer in Sydney Olympic Park;
- Stadium Australia Members will have access to Thunder games;
- Stadium Australia’s highly-rated pitches are to be transported next door to Spotless Stadium;
- Champion allrounder Shane Watson the latest star recruit for a powerhouse Sydney Thunder squad.
Arthur Stanley & Julian Keith
Stadium Australia Members will have access to the Sydney Thunder’s four home games this summer as the resurgent Thunder stays within the Greater Sydney sporting family at Sydney Olympic Park.
As part of their Membership package, Stadium Members will have full access to three of the Thunder’s games at the boutique Spotless Stadium – a cricket ball throw from the gates of the Olympic stadium – as well as a pre-purchase window for the big Sydney Smash against cross-city rivals the Sydney Sixers.
Boasting easily the strongest squad in their four-year history for the 2015/16 summer, the #ThunderNation will be playing on the pitches that produced the most exciting cricket in the BBL last summer, with three of Stadium Australia’s drop-in pitches about to be moved to Spotless Stadium.
The Stadium Australia centre pitch produced the highest runs per innings average of any ground in the Big Bash last summer and was the strip that helped Jacques Kallis and Mike Hussey score their record-breaking opening stand of 160 against Brisbane.
The Thunder’s star recruit for 2015/16, Shane Watson, said the relocation of the Stadium Australia pitches was great news for the men in green.
“The Stadium Australia pitches were outstanding last summer and it’s amazing technology that allows these drop-in pitches to be transported across Sydney Olympic Park while maintaining the same characteristics,” Watson said.
Thunder General Manager Nick Cummins believes the Thunder can create an unmatched atmosphere this summer with the help of Stadium Australia Members.
“We are delighted to have come to terms with Stadium Australia Management around the use of three of their pitches,” said Cummins.
“Fan feedback has been clear from the outset: while they are happy with Spotless Stadium as our new home, our wicket needed more work.
“With three Stadium Australia pitches to complement our existing one, Spotless Stadium now has one of the best wickets in the BBL.”
With the Thunder’s blockbuster opening home game against the Sixers expected to sell out the boutique 20,000-seat stadium, Stadium Australia Members are being given the opportunity to secure their seat at the Sydney Smash. Stadium Australia Members will be offered a priority purchase period for the December 17 game.
Stadium Australia Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said: “Stadium Australia has been part of the Thunder’s journey in the BBL and we are delighted the #ThunderNation remains part of the Sydney Olympic Park family in season 2015/16.
“While the Sydney Thunder’s home base is now nearby Spotless Stadium, the club’s relationship with Stadium Australia remains strong, with Stadium Australia Members having access to Thunder home games in season 2015/16.”
Champion allrounder Watson said he was thrilled by the prospect of playing alongside one of his cricket heroes in South African Jacques Kallis this summer.
“He’s possibly the greatest allrounder of our time and I can’t wait to play alongside Jacques and the rest of the Thunder squad. The Thunder are a really exciting franchise and I’m sure the fans will get right behind the team this summer,” Watson said.
*Become an Stadium Australia Member and get a guaranteed premium seat to every regular sporting event at Stadium Australia in 2016, plus the Sydney Thunder Big Bash home games at Sydney Olympic Park. The 2016 Stadium Australia schedule includes two State of Origin games, the Bledisloe Cup Test, the NRL Grand Final & Finals Series and more. Click here.
Thunder BBL05 contracted players to date: Shane Watson, Jacques Kallis, Mike Hussey ©, Usman Khawaja, Aiden Blizzard, Ben Rohrer, Chris Hartley, Andrew McDonald Pat Cummins, Gurinder Sandhu, Fawad Ahmed, Jake Doran.
SYDNEY THUNDER BBL05 Schedule
Thursday, 17 December 2015, 7:40pm v Sydney Sixers – Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Sunday, 20 December 2015, 7:25pm v Melbourne Stars – MCG
Monday, 28 December 2015, 7:10pm v Adelaide Strikers – Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Friday, 1 January 2016, 7:10pm v Hobart Hurricanes – Blundstone Arena
Sunday, 3 January 2016, 6:10pm v Brisbane Heat – GABBA
Thursday, 7 January 2016, 7:40pm v Perth Scorchers – Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Monday, 11 January 2016, 7:40pm v Melbourne Renegades – Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Saturday, 16 January 2016, 6:10 PM v Sydney Sixers – SCG
