Hosting an elite cricket match put runs on the board for Latrobe City on 22 December 2019.
The Big Bash League encounter between Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes at Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve resulted in an economic benefit of nearly $1.09 million to the City.
A crowd of 6,180 appreciated the opportunity to see professional cricketers in action, and while the bulk of visitors were from Gippsland, others travelled from interstate and overseas.
“The event provided locals with the opportunity to see a top class event without needing to travel to Melbourne for the experience and Council showcased the region to other event organisers to prove that we can hold world class events here in Latrobe City,” Mayor Cr Dan Clancey said.
The Gippsland Regional Cricket Centre of Excellence – a project of Council and the Latrobe Valley Authority - at the reserve was used as the event management centre on match day.
The game was complemented by VIP functions, media events, half-time entertainment with a Christmas theme, family activities and cheerleaders.
The event was funded by the Latrobe Valley Authority and Council acted as event producer and event manager, while Cricket Australia managed the match.
The Stars won the game by 52 runs.