Sydney wins Major League Baseball

SYDNEY, June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sydney will host the Opening Series of 2014 Major League Baseball, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Opening Series signals the beginning of the Major Baseball League season, and has only been played outside the United States six times, including four Series in Japan.

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said, "Destination NSW is proud to have secured the Opening Series of 2014 Major Baseball League game.  We expect over 10,000 international and interstate visitor nights for Sydney, as fans from across the world come to watch these amazing teams play their professional best in the most beautiful and exciting city in the world -- Sydney!"

"With the Opening Series taking place in summer, on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 2014, it's a wonderful opportunity for visitors to book their holiday and enjoy a very special game during a wonderful time of year, with plenty on in Sydney.

"There will also be special opportunities for fans to see their baseball heroes in action with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks in Sydney for six days, including the two games at Sydney Cricket Ground and pre-match training sessions.

"Reaching an estimated global TV household audience of up to 168 million households in key tourism markets, including the USA, Japan, Korea and in China, it's a fantastic chance to showcase NSW," Ms Chipchase said.

The Sydney Cricket Ground, building on its long history of hosting significant baseball games including the Chicago White Sox in 1914, will be transformed into a Major Baseball League field, with the construction of an infield clay area, pitcher's mound, dugouts and additional grandstand.

The Opening Series will deliver a direct visitor impact of more than A$13 million to NSW from international, interstate and intrastate visitors.

Qantas Airways is the event airline partner.  Travel packages will be available to ensure fans get tickets to the game and great value flights and accommodation deals to Sydney.

SOURCE Destination NSW