Mackay’s first Test match has sold out its opening day four days before Australia and Bangladesh meet at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, with demand also pushing the second day close to capacity.
The August 22-26 match will make Mackay the 12th Australian venue to host a men’s Test and comes after Bangladesh’s historic victory over Australia in Darwin, where the tourists won by nine wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Cricket Australia said the public allocation for Saturday’s opening day had been exhausted, along with corporate hospitality packages for the day. Tickets remain available for later days, while day two is nearing capacity.
The demand provides an early test of Cricket Australia’s decision to take Test cricket into northern Australia during August, outside the traditional home summer. Darwin hosted its first Test in 22 years in the opening match of the series, while Mackay is preparing for Test cricket for the first time.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the sales reflected interest in both northern venues.
“We’re thrilled to see the excitement surrounding the NRMA Insurance Northern Australia Test series reflected with such strong ticket sales for both Tests, particularly with day one of the Mackay Test already sold out before the first ball of that match has been bowled,” Greenberg said.
“With Darwin hosting its first Test match in 22 years, and Mackay hosting its first-ever Test match, the level of enthusiasm and support for the series has been fantastic, from those in Northern Territory and Queensland, and also throughout Australia and overseas.”
The Mackay Test will begin at 10am local time each day. The Great Barrier Reef Arena has hosted international white-ball cricket in recent years, but the Bangladesh match will be its first men’s Test.
Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said taking major sporting events to regional centres was intended to support local economies as well as attract visitors.
“Delivering major events in regional Queensland is a key part of the Crisafulli Government’s plan to strengthen local economies, showcase our communities on the national stage and reinforce Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s events capital,” Powell said.
“The incredible demand for tickets reflects the excitement around bringing Test cricket to Mackay for the first time and the value of delivering major events to regional Queensland communities.”
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said visitors were travelling from across Australia for the match, with the council expecting local businesses and tourism operators to benefit.
“Having people travelling from across the nation to be part of Mackay’s first-ever Test match is a tremendous outcome for our region,” Williamson said.
“The strong ticket sales demonstrate the excitement surrounding this event, and it’s a great opportunity for visitors to discover everything our region has to offer while contributing to local businesses, tourism operators and the wider economy.”
Williamson urged local residents who planned to attend to buy remaining tickets soon.
“The response to this historic Test match has been extraordinary, and with day one already sold out and day two nearing capacity, my message to Mackay residents is simple – secure your tickets now or you may miss out,” he said.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and we want as many locals as possible to be part of this once-in-a-generation event as Mackay welcomes cricket fans from across Australia.”
Great Barrier Reef Arena chief executive Adrian Young said the sellout would also help the venue make its case for more high-level sport.
“To see the public allocation exhausted for day one of Mackay’s first-ever Men’s Test match is an incredible result and a reflection of just how strongly our community and the broader region have embraced this historic event,” Young said.
“Great Barrier Reef Arena was built with the ambition of bringing major national and international events to Mackay, and this Test is another major step forward. Strong attendances give us an opportunity to demonstrate what this region can deliver and strengthen the case for even more major sporting events at the Arena in the years ahead.”
The two-Test Bangladesh series begins an extended 2026-27 international season in Australia. The men will later host New Zealand for four Tests and play white-ball matches against England before Australia and England meet at the MCG for the 150th Anniversary Test in March.
Greenberg said the early northern crowds were an encouraging start to that schedule.
“With an action-packed summer of cricket ahead, it’s great to see people embracing Test cricket in August, and we look forward to seeing the momentum carry into the white ball matches against England and Test series against New Zealand,” he said.
“The Women’s team also have compelling series against Bangladesh and New Zealand in October, before a one-day series against the Kiwis in March, which launches a massive week for cricket, leading into the men’s 150th Anniversary Test Match against England.
“I encourage fans to get in early and book their tickets for a massive summer ahead.”
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