A total of 162,408 fans turned up for Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Big Bash League 15 matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Optus Stadium. This attendance figure surpassed the previous record set last year by 10,033 fans, highlighting the immense popularity of cricket in Australia.
In Melbourne, 94,199 spectators witnessed an eventful day of cricket during the fourth Ashes Test, where 20 wickets fell. This marked a new record for cricket attendance in Australia, surpassing the previous high set during the 2015 ODI World Cup final. Additionally, the Melbourne Stars secured a victory over the Sydney Sixers in front of 25,589 fans, setting a new attendance record at the SCG for the annual Boxing Day fixture.
Optus Stadium in Perth also saw a significant turnout as 42,620 fans gathered to watch the Perth Scorchers take on the Hobart Hurricanes, setting a new record for the largest Boxing Day Bash crowd. These attendance milestones follow previous records set during the opening three Ashes Tests, with the Big Bash League also experiencing a surge in both live attendance and broadcast viewership.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed pride in the record-breaking day, emphasizing the significance of Boxing Day in Australian cricket culture. He highlighted the sport’s widespread appeal and the growing excitement surrounding the Big Bash League, attributing the increased attendance and viewership to the captivating on-field performances and competitive matches.
