New Record: Big Bash League Draws Historic Crowd of 105,000+

Over 105,000 spectators flocked to two of Australia's top cricket stadiums over the weekend, setting a new single-day attendance record for the Big Bash League (BBL). On Saturday, January 4, 105,767 people watched BBL matches at Perth's Optus Stadium and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The number surpassed the league's previous single-day attendance record of 101,327, which was set on the same day in 2016 when games were played at Perth's former WACA Ground and the MCG.

A dramatic run chase was witnessed by 68,124 spectators at the MCG as the Renegades became the first team to lift the Melbourne Mace, reaching 174 with one ball remaining. It was the third-largest crowd in League history and the most attended game since BBL season 6. In front of 37,643 spectators, the Perth Scorchers defeated the Adelaide Strikers by 33 runs in the second BBL season 15 match of the day.

Big Bash League Sets New Benchmark:

A new attendance record for a day of Big Bash 🙌 #BBL15pic.twitter.com/3G9xICAcSd

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 5, 2026

Day 1 of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney drew 49,574 spectators, bringing the total attendance for the three matches to 155,341. This is the second-highest attendance day in Australian cricket, after Boxing Day. With the total attendance through the first 23 games being the biggest since BBL season 7, the historic day comes after a season of large crowds during BBL season 15.

League executives are confident that high attendance numbers will persist as the regular season draws to a close. In only two weeks, the BBL will begin what Dobson called a "blockbuster finals series," with high-stakes games anticipated to fill stadiums around the nation. The record-breaking day strengthens the Big Bash's standing as one of the most popular and successful domestic T20 cricket competitions in the world and adds to an increasing number of encouraging signs for the league.

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