Cricket and football unite for Bushfire T20 Showdown
A Showdown of a different kind will take place at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, 2 February when cricket and football will unite to raise funds for the SA Bushfire Appeal.
Players from both the Adelaide Football Club and Port Adelaide Football Club will join some of cricket’s biggest names in a special T20 cricket match.
100% of net proceeds from ticketing, catering, sponsorship and all other donations for this match will go to the state’s bushfire appeal, which will raise vital funds for people directly affected by bushfires in Cudlee Creek and on Kangaroo Island.
The event comes after a Twitter user named Scott suggested it would be a great way to help those affected by the bushfires – with Adelaide Oval, SACA, SANFL and the two AFL clubs quickly coming together to throw their collective support behind the idea.
Port Adelaide players Tom Jonas and Travis Boak and Adelaide players Rory Sloane and Taylor Walker are among the sporting superstars involved in this match, which promises to be an entertaining afternoon for the whole family.
Tickets to the Showdown Bushfire Benefit will go on sale Tuesday, 14 January at 9:00am through Ticketek. All tickets will be sold as general admission tickets and will be priced at $20 for adults, $5 for kids (14 years and under) and $40 for families (2 adults, 2 kids).
The State Government has also announced that it will be providing free public transport to all those attending the match.
Quotes from Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall:
“It’s incredible to see the continual outpouring of generosity and support from the South Australian community to support those affected by the devastating bushfires.
“Now we have the sporting community banding together to put on what will be a fantastic and entertaining event to raise money for this great cause.
“The show of community spirit has been overwhelming and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected and help get them back on their feet.”
Quotes from Adelaide Oval CEO Andrew Daniels:
“Adelaide Oval is honoured to host this great initiative for such an important cause, which brings together cricket and football in one of the most legendary rivalries in South Australian sport – the Showdown.
“Like everyone witnessing these tragic events unfold, we have been wanting to do something meaningful to help. We’d certainly love to fill the stadium and for people to come along and help us raise as much money as possible, while also taking a moment to be together during this difficult time.”
Quotes from SACA CEO Keith Bradshaw:
“We know many SACA and Strikers members and the wider cricket community want to support those affected by these terrible bushfires.
“SACA is pleased to be involved with this special event on 2 February and will also kickstart the fundraising at the Adelaide Strikers’ BBL game on Australia Day, in partnership with the Strikers’ major partner People’s Choice Credit Union who will donate $50,000.”
Quotes from Port Adelaide Football Club CEO Keith Thomas:
“It is bittersweet to be involved in a fundraiser of this kind. On one hand, the bushfire crisis that has swept across Australia and parts of South Australia in recent weeks is an absolute tragedy and our thoughts and prayers remain for those families and communities impacted by this devastation.
“On the other hand, we are delighted to unite with the Adelaide Football Club, the SACA and the SMA to play a role assisting in fundraising for those families and communities that have been so adversely affected by these bushfires.
“It is inspiring to see South Australia unite for this special day and we urge the South Australian public to fill the stadium as two great sporting rivals go head to head in a different code, all in the spirit of helping our own.”
Quotes from Adelaide Football Club CEO Andrew Fagan:
“The bushfires have been devastating for families across South Australia, and we are thinking of those on Kangaroo Island right now who continue to battle blazes which threaten their homes and livelihoods.
“We hope this event can provide an opportunity for footy and cricket fans to come together as a show of support for those affected as well as raise much needed funds to support the recovery efforts.
“It will also provide an opportunity to recognise the CFS and other emergency service personnel who have sacrificed so much and battled bravely to protect people, property, livestock and wildlife over such a prolonged period of time”.
Quotes from SANFL CEO Jake Parkinson:
“SANFL wants to play its part in helping regions impacted by the fires and support the efforts of volunteers who continue to give their time to extinguish the fires and support the communities.
“Sporting communities are renowned for coming together to support each other in times of need and this event will be no exception. We encourage everyone to come along for a fun day out and ensure valuable funds can be raised to provide some relief to those who have been severely impacted.”
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Elise Partington – 0417 875 126 or elise.partington@adelaideoval.com.au
