A record total of 162,408 fans attended Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Big Bash League matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Optus Stadium.
Friday’s attendance shattered the previous record of 152,375 set on Boxing Day 2024. All three matches saw attendance records, highlighting the immense popularity of Australia’s national sport.
Melbourne Highlights
In Melbourne, a crowd of 94,199 witnessed 20 wickets fall in the fourth Ashes Test. This figure set a record for a day of cricket in Australia, surpassing the earlier record of 93,013 from the ODI World Cup final in 2015. The day’s second match featured the Melbourne Stars defeating the Sydney Sixers by seven wickets, drawing an impressive crowd of 25,589—the biggest ever for the SCG’s annual Boxing Day event.
Perth Scorchers Crowd
At Optus Stadium, the national single-day attendance record was established as the Perth Scorchers welcomed 42,620 fans for their Boxing Day Bash, eclipsing the previous record from BBL 13, as they hosted the reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes.
The Boxing Day attendance record follows total and single-day records set during the opening three Ashes Tests, alongside significant increases in attendances and broadcast audiences on Foxtel and Seven for the Big Bash League.
Official Statements
Todd Greenberg, Cricket Australia CEO, remarked, “Boxing Day 2025 has been a landmark day for Australian Cricket, with records tumbling across all three venues hosting Test and BBL matches.”
He continued, “To set a new single-day attendance record of 162,408 is a proud moment for Australian Cricket and reflects our sport’s popularity and strength nationwide. The Boxing Day Test is bigger than cricket. It is one of the nation’s great events, and those who attended the MCG will cherish the experience forever.”
Greenberg added, “Similarly, attending Big Bash games is a summer ritual for many Australian families, and the buzz around the competition is as loud as it’s ever been. We’re witnessing incredible performances, record run chases, and a trend of nail-biting finishes every night.”
He concluded, “The unmissable on-field action has driven record crowds to every Test match, with all formats experiencing attendance and audience growth this summer. We thank all those who watched or attended a match on this incredible day for cricket and look forward to seeing packed venues across the country for the remainder of the summer.”