Australia to Host First Ever Competitive MLB Game in 2014

The 2014 Major League Baseball season will raise its curtain at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks set to square off in the Harbour City.

The two-match series represents the first time Australia has hosted a competitive MLB game, and just the sixth time matches have been held outside of US shores.

New South Wales sports minister Graham Annesley said while it was a major boost for the local tourist economy, the event also was a throwback to Sydney’s past.

“Sydney has a history of hosting significant baseball games at the SCG, with the Chicago White Sox playing against a combined NSW team in 1914,” he said.

“The SCG will be transformed into an MLB field, with the construction of an infield clay area, pitcher’s mound, dugouts and additional grandstand.”

The coup is expected to bring $13million in revenue to the local economy, with the matches scheduled for March 22 and 23.

An official announcement of the landmark event will take place at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday.