To mark the matches at one of the world’s oldest and most famous cricket grounds, Mr O’Farrell presented each team with a cricket bat signed by Australian Test captain Michael Clarke.

“The MLB Opening Series is one of the most anticipated sporting events ever to be staged in Sydney,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“It’s been a long-build up since we announced Sydney had secured these matches but the Opening Series is nearly upon us – the amazing transformation of the hallowed SCG into a ballpark is complete and both teams have now arrived in our beautiful city.

“I’m delighted to present both teams with a signed cricket bat by our current Test captain Michael Clarke, who just two years ago staged his epic innings of 329 runs here at the SCG.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing Paul Goldschmidt and Adrian Gonzalez make their own history with the bat when they step up to the plate this weekend.

“My Government came to office with a commitment to grow the State’s economy by bringing major events to NSW and there is no surer sign we are delivering on our commitment than the MLB Opening Series.”

Tourism and Major Events Minister George Souris said the MLB Opening Series will be a huge boost for the NSW economy.

“More than 70,000 fans are expected to attend the first two games of the MLB Opening Series with a quarter of the tickets sold to interstate or overseas visitors,” Mr Souris said.

“The MLB Opening Series matches are expected to generate a direct visitor impact of more than $13 million and with the matches to be viewed by well over 150 million people across the world, the greater economic impact for Sydney and NSW will far exceed this.”

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