Why the Big Bash League just works in Perth as Scorchers continue to draw massive crowds to Optus Stadium

If there’s one thing you can count on this summer, it’s the Scorchers getting bums on seats. At a time where there is an all-in push to try and boost attendance at the long-form Test format in the State — with some critics even questioning its future in the west — Perth’s Big Bash side continue to draw tens of thousands every single game and break national records. And only one home match in, the Scorchers have already smashed the total for the highest opening game in BBL history after 30,469 turned out to Optus Stadium on Sunday to watch the side beat the Stars. WA Cricket told The West more than 40,000 were expected for the next two home clashes as well, which includes a Boxing Day blockbuster against last year’s champions Brisbane Heat, as well as hosting the Thunder on January 3. The side cemented their status as the competition’s most successful team in history when they won the 2022/23 title, which many believe is the driving force behind the outpour of Perth support. A support that is so impactful that their home ground — which moved from the WACA to Optus Stadium in 2018 — has even been nicknamed The Furnace. Others say it is the constant conveyor belt of young, homegrown talent that the average Perth punter can get behind, while many say it’s the fact-paced T20 format and entertainment — including fireworks, light displays, live music and activations — that makes it so appealing to families and general audiences. Scorchers general manager Jess Keily said it was the combination of all factors that made it such an appealing product for Perth. “The thing about West Australians is they are the most parochial people I have ever met,” Keily said. “So it’s near impossible for oppositions to play against us at Optus Stadium and it’s near impossible for us to lose there. “It’s just that there’s such a huge supporter base that when that stadium gets filled up, the players talk about it all the time and how incredible it is. We’ve got three new imports this year, and they were blown away by what was there. “So that reliability of come to the cricket during that Christmas and New Year period, and you get not just a brilliant cricket game, which our players deliver every time, but the atmosphere.” WA cricket legend Justin Langer, who formerly coached the side, said nothing quite compared to the atmosphere at The Furnace and that there was no doubt it gave the successful side a massive advantage. “You turn up to Optus Stadium and it’s just a sea of orange, which buoys anyone, let alone the players,” former coach and WA cricket legend Justin Langer told The West Australian. “When you turn up to the ground and you see 30,000 supporting you, it gives you an adrenaline rush. “You rock up to Optus and it is as awesome as ever.” New WA Cricket chief executive John Stephenson said he had been completely blown away by his first-ever live home Scorchers game on Sunday, something he had never seen anything quite like. “The atmosphere at the ground was beyond my expectations, I have to say,” he revealed. “The noise, atmosphere, and roar were huge every time one of the Scorchers players did something amazing, and it sent a tingle up my spine. When you get that sort of reaction, you know it’s something special. “I think what’s so unique, and what I’ve noticed, is that because we all align under one banner, one brand in WA Cricket, it gives us a real sense of identity representing Western Australia, Perth, and the wider community. “The feel to me is the people of Perth and WA are very much behind the Scorchers and what it stands for. The atmosphere that is created at the Optus Furnace and the Scorchers brand with the fan engagement is just incredible. “And obviously, being the most successful team in the tournament historically also helps, and our attendances speak for themselves. “I’ve just landed from the UK so my first impressions really encapsulate what the Scorchers are all about. It’s that feeling of growth and optimism and what a great place Perth is to live. It’s struck me as an incredible place on the planet to live, and the Scorchers reflect that feeling of passion, enthusiasm, and optimism.” Stephenson has also issued a rallying cry, calling on Perth fans to become their team’s 12th man. “The more the Perth public get behind the Scorchers the better. We want to show the rest of Australia we are the best and that’s not just on the field but off the field,” he said. “If we can consistently show Cricket Australia and the other teams we’re a better supported team it really does create that Furnace atmosphere and give us another person on the pitch really. “If we can get opposition teams feeling like they’re up against the Perth fans as well that’s a huge advantage for us.” English import Keaton Jennings — who has similarly just landed in Perth — said he was also blown away by the fierce West Aussie support. “It’s really exciting coming to a place that’s had so much success,” the 32-year-old batter said. “It’s amazing to be here, it’s so exciting and it’s really fun.” The Scorchers will take on the Hobart Hurricanes away on Saturday, with the side hoping to go 2-0. They will play a total of five home games this season, not including finals.