BBL and Nickelodeon to Provide Family Entertainment at the BBL

Tickets for the sixth season of the KFC Big Bash League (BBL) go on-sale tomorrow, Friday, 7 October, giving fans around the country their chance to secure a place at the fast paced family fun that has quickly become must-attend summer entertainment.

The KFC BBL has established its popularity with fans young and old, thanks to the combination of fast-paced action on field and family-friendly entertainment and atmosphere off-field. This is set to be taken to new heights this year, thanks to an exciting partnership with global kid's entertainment brand Nickelodeon.

The summer of Big Bash fun will begin with a free, carnival-style opening weekend of the Rebel WBBL on Saturday, 10 December and Sunday, 11 December at North Sydney Oval. With all WBBL clubs in attendance, six matches being played over the course of the two days, and plenty of family fun throughout the North Sydney Oval precinct, this weekend is the perfect start to the season.

Comprising of 35 games in 40 days played across the school holidays – and all broadcast live and free on Network Ten – the KFC BBL|06 begins on Tuesday, 20 December with BBL|05 reigning champions Sydney Thunder hosting the Sydney Sixers in the Sydney Smash at Spotless Stadium. Other season highlights include the Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Boxing Day match at Blundstone Arena, a New Years' Eve blockbuster between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval, and the first Melbourne Derby on New Year's Day at the MCG. The BBL season also features 14 double-headers with Rebel WBBL|02, giving fans a chance to see some of the best players from both competitions with the one ticket.

Network Ten and Nickelodeon will be bringing slime covered fun to the KFC BBL and Rebel WBBL this year with the launch of an Australian first, a BBL and WBBL children's television show aptly named Crash The Bash. Produced collaboratively by Network Ten and Nickelodeon and hosted by Ollie McCormack ELEVEN's Toasted TV and Nickelodeon's Kristy Best, Crash The Bash will premiere on TEN on Saturday, 24 December at 9.00am.

Following its broadcast on TEN, content from Crash The Bash will be shown throughout the week on Nickelodeon, as well as across digital platforms.

Crash The Bash marks a first of its kind in content collaboration in Australia between a sporting body and a global children's entertainment brand, providing young fans with more opportunities to interact with the KFC BBL and Rebel WBBL.

Network Ten Network Executive, BBL, David Barham said: 'Network Ten is delighted to be partnering with Nickelodeon to produce Crash The Bash.

'As an Australian first, it is a real coup for the sport and children's television and further cements Network Ten's commitment to the KFC BBL and Rebel WBBL."

Nickelodeon will also be at matches throughout BBL|06 as well as the opening weekend of the Rebel WBBL on 10 December at North Sydney Oval. Fans at selected matches^ will have the chance to win family trips to Nickelodeon Land at Sea World on the Gold Coast, as well as two exclusive opportunities to win incredible family holidays to the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles.

Things are set to be more exciting on the field in BBL|06 as well, with cricketing stars including Mitchell Johnson (Perth Scorchers), Brendon McCullum (Brisbane Heat) and Stuart Broad (Hobart Hurricanes) set to take the field. These players will be joined by fan favourites Kevin Pietersen (Melbourne Stars), Brad Haddin (Sydney Sixers), Dwayne Bravo (Melbourne Renegades), Shane Watson (Sydney Thunder), Aaron Finch (Melbourne Renegades), George Bailey (Hobart Hurricanes) and Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers) to name just a few.

'We are very excited to be partnering with Nickelodeon for the sixth season of the KFC Big Bash League," said Cricket Australia Head of the Big Bash League, Anthony Everard. 'Nickelodeon is known around the world as one of the most fun and entertaining brands and we can't wait for them to be a part of the BBL experience for our fans.

'The BBL was a huge hit with families last summer because of the fast-paced on-field action and family friendly atmosphere at every match, and I am sure that BBL|06 will take things to the next level, thanks to our partnership with Nickelodeon.

'Fans will also be treated to new levels of excitement and action on field throughout the season thanks to the huge number of world class cricketers set to take part in BBL|06, making every match an unmissable event."

'Our partnership with BBL is the perfect way for us to continue connecting with kids and families during an action-packed Australian summer of sport. We are excited to put into play our experience in creating large-scale on-ground activations at what's going to be an incredible BBL season," said Jihee Nam, General Manager, Nickelodeon Networks Australia and New Zealand.

Entry level prices for BBL|06 remain unchanged on previous years, with adult tickets from $20, kids tickets from $5, and family tickets from $42.50*, cementing the BBL as some of the most affordable and exciting family entertainment options in the country.

To purchase tickets from tomorrow or for more information about BBL|06, visit www.bigbash.com.au