THE Sydney Sixers are set to return to Coffs Harbour in early 2026, as they take on a familiar rival.
The Sixers meet the Brisbane Heat on Monday, 5 January, at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium as part of the newly-announced fixture for the BBL|15 season.
Marking the club’s seventh appearance in the region, the Sixers have cemented Coffs Harbour as a home away from home, first bringing the Big Bash to the Coffs Coast during BBL|09 in 2020.
With regular sold-out crowds at the venue, the support from the local community has made the annual fixture one of the standouts on the Sixers calendar.
This summer’s match in Coffs will also serve as the club’s First Nations Round fixture, with the team taking the field on Gumbaynggirr Country in newly designed kits by artist and Wiradjuri woman Lua Pellegrini.
The round, which celebrates culture, connection, and community, aims to recognise and honour First Nations people and their connection to the lands on which we live, work and play.
Treated to some of the very best of the Big Bash in recent years, fans in Coffs have enjoyed a host of unforgettable moments, including most notably Steve Smith’s heroics during BBL|12 when the superstar smashed a record-breaking century in front of the local crowd.
The Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat have played off once before in Coffs Harbour.
The Heat had a 3-run win under the DLS method in 2024.
Last season’s scheduled match between the two sides in Coffs Harbour was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The Sixers have a 2-2 record in their four matches played in Coffs Harbour.
Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes, said the trip to Coffs Harbour is always a highlight for the club.
“The support that we receive from the local community has been incredible and we’ve loved the opportunity to bring the game regionally.
“The energy and atmosphere at the venue is always electric and we’ve witnessed so many unforgettable moments in Coffs in recent years.
“We would like to extend our thanks to Coffs Harbour City Council for their continued support of the club.
“We’re proud to partner with them and we’re committed to delivering an amazing experience for our members, fans, and the broader Coffs Harbour community.”
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said, “The Sixers against the Heat at the Stadium is about as big as it gets for sport in a regional centre, and the addition of Babar Azam will add just another level of gold to the contest.”
City of Coffs Harbour Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon, said the Sixers game would be a great way to start the year.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the New Year than soaking up the party atmosphere at the stadium for a Sixers game,” he said.
“BBL is turbocharged entertainment which has extended cricket’s reach, particularly to younger people.”
By Aiden BURGESS
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