5000. Tickets sold for BBL 16 opener in Chennai within hours
BBL 16's Chennai opener has drawn strong early interest with 5,000 tickets sold and hopes for a full house at MAC Stadium.
More than 5,000 tickets have been sold for the BBL 16 season opener between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on December 12. Around 2,000 tickets sold in the first 30 minutes after going on sale, prompting organisers to release additional inventory.
BBL General Manager Alistair Dobson said the response exceeded expectations and reflects the league's popularity in India. The match marks the first time an overseas T20 league will stage a game in India as part of celebrations marking India-Australia bilateral ties.
Cricket Australia aims for a sellout at the 35,000-capacity venue despite potential weather challenges during Chennai's rainy season. No reserve day has been allocated, though organisers are considering playing conditions that could extend playing time if needed.
CricHubb Take
The rapid ticket sales demonstrate that Indian fans will support overseas T20 leagues when given the chance to experience them in person rather than through broadcasts alone.