Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena to host five more WBBL matches in November

Mackay’s international hosting performance has earned the region five additional elite sporting matches after the WBBL announced a fixture change.

Mackay’s hosting performance for international cricket has been richly rewarded, with five more WBBL games to grace Harrup Park’s Great Barrier Reef Arena.

The announcement comes after Victoria and New South Wales were deemed unable to host any matches in the upcoming season.

Charli Knott of the Heat will travel home to Mackay for the WBBL fixtures. Picture: Ian Hitchcock

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said Harrup Park’s hosting efforts in 2021 had cemented the region’s reputation for being able to hold elite-level sport at GBRA.

“This is a testament to the top-class facilities at Harrup Park and Mackay’s track record in hosting big games and its relationship with administrators,” he said.

“We’ve had five NRL games, including two semi-finals, at BB Print Stadium and then three games of international cricket featuring the Australian and Indian women’s sides.”

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said 2021 was a testament to the region’s hosting capabilities. Picture: Heidi Petith

Mackay was already set to host four WBBL games next month, and now another five games will bring the total to nine matches over two weeks.

Adelaide, Perth, Sydney Sixers and Thunder, Brisbane, and Melbourne Renegades will make up the six teams travelling to Mackay.

Double headers on November 13, 14, 19 and 20 will be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Heat's Jess Jonassen is a former Mackay cricket star, and will travel to the region for WBBL games in November. Picture: Phil Hillyard

A one-off game will be played midweek on November 17 between Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder at GBRA.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said Mackay’s willingness to adapt helped the season’s revised schedule.

“We looked at several options to host the additional WBBL games when it became apparent that the draw would be revised,” he said.

“It has been outstanding to be able to take the Women’s One Day Internationals there recently and now there is the opportunity to make two huge weekends for the region with the additional WBBL fixtures.”

Harrup Park has recently begun redevelopments to construct a new 1800-person grandstand and space for 10000 spectators, as well as new broadcasting facilities.

The plans will upgrade Harrup Park’s hosting capabilities, with more WBBL, AFLW and international cricket fixtures expected as a result.