The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup added $150 million to Victoria's economy and created 2790 jobs, an evaluation shows.
A Cricket Australia report was today released at the MCG, where Australia won an historic fifth World Cup in front of 93,013 - the biggest crowd ever for a single day's cricket anywhere in the world.
The World Cup was played in cities throughout Australia and New Zealand but it was once again Melbourne who did it best.
Some 345,000 packed the MCG over five games – more than any other city – leaving three matches sold out.
Some 1.56 billion viewers tuned into the tournament worldwide, showcasing Melbourne to the world. The Melbourne final peaked nationally at 4.2 million viewers.
Victoria welcomed 154,000 visitors during the tournament, including 79,000 from interstate and 75,000 from abroad. They spent $305 million in our state, keeping our bars, restaurants, taxis and shops busy, and accounted for 720,000 hotel bed nights.
Australia’s World Cup journey began and finished in Melbourne. From hometown hero Aaron Finch’s century against England to Mitchell Starc’s heroics in the final against New Zealand, the MCG is again forever etched in our nation’s sporting folklore.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, Jenny Mikakos
“We wanted the biggest games and we got them. The ICC Cricket World Cup truly was a Victorian affair.”
“There’s no greater spectacle than a big blockbuster game at the MCG. We gave our champion Aussies an occasion they deserved.”
“These events show our city at its best and most importantly deliver jobs and help the economy. That’s why we’re investing $80 million to lure and keep major events in Melbourne.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020