Renegades to play home opener in Geelong

THE Melbourne Renegades will play their first home game of the 13th season of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Geelong.

The full BBL13 fixture will be released tomorrow (Thursday, July 6), but the Renegades revealed earlier today (Wednesday, July 5) they had locked in the first home game of the 2023-24 tournament against the Perth Scorchers at GMHBA Stadium on December 10.

Local hero Aaron Finch is set to line up alongside new overseas players in what is expected to be an exciting contest against the reigning BBL champions, and the match will again be held on the same day as the Festival of Sport at the Kardinia Park precinct.

The Renegades have hosted nine BBL matches at GMHBA Stadium since the first in January 2018.

Melbourne Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said the support from the Geelong region was a key focus for the club.

“We are thrilled to show our commitment to Geelong with our first home match of the season for BBL13.

“Our membership and fan base in Geelong is strong and continually growing, so we cannot wait to play our first home game at GMHBA Stadium.

“We thank the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong for their support of this match and the Renegades.”

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive officer Gerard Griffin said he was thrilled with the Renegades’ return to Geelong.

“It’s fantastic to have the Melbourne Renegades return to GMHBA Stadium for the upcoming season.

“The Renegades have a great presence in the region, and we look forward to hosting a sea of red in the stands.

“Local fans will once again enjoy free family sporting fun and entertainment with the Festival of Sport, leading into an exciting BBL cricket game.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos wlecomed the announcement.

“We’re backing the return of the Melbourne Renegades to Geelong to give visitors and local fans a chance to watch the excitement of a Big Bash match at GMHBA stadium,”

As well as the Geelong home opener, the Renegades are scheduled to host four matches at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.