Zack Greinke of the Los Angeles Dodgers / Pic credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images/AFP
Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks / Pic credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
US Major League Baseball is coming to Sydney, with the opening series of next season - between the LA Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks - to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in March 2014.
In a $13 million coup for the NSW state government, the opening series of the MLB will be held at the SCG on Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23 - the first time a competitive US baseball fixture will be held in Australia and only the sixth time one has been staged outside America.
Sports Minister Graham Annesley said the event would "generate more than 10,000 international and interstate visitor nights to Sydney, which will help us reach our goal to double overnight tourism expenditure in NSW by 2020".
The games have been described as the biggest internationally recognised event in this country since the 2003 Rugby World Cup final and come exactly 100 years after the Chicago White Sox played against NSW at the SCG.
"Sydney will host the first two games for the opening series of 2014 Major League Baseball at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Premier Barry O'Farrell said.
"The opening series will feature the LA Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks playing the first two games of the season.
"This is a significant win for Sydney and again delivers on my election commitment to bring major events to NSW. It's estimated the matches will deliver a $13 million benefit for the local economy, as well as attract visitors from interstate and overseas."
NSW will be showcased to an estimated global TV household audience of up to 168 million, including 75 million in the US.
Ironically - or perhaps fortuitously for sports fans who like to see a bit of biff - the Dodgers and Diamondbacks had a huge brawl in their game yesterday, with the entire squads of both teams running across the field to fight each other.
A similar spectacle can't be predicted next year but the Dodgers and Diamondbacks will be in Sydney for six days, when they will play the two games and open the doors to their training sessions.
"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 Sydney Cricket Ground is a sports stadium in Sydney in Australia. It is used for Test cricket, One Day International cricket, Twenty20 cricket and Australian rules football, as well some rugby league football and rugby union matches. It is the home ground for the New South Wales Blues cricket team and the Sydney Swans of the Australian Football League. It is owned and operated by the SCG Trust that also manages the Sydney Football Stadium located next door.
Madame Tussauds is a wax museum in London and has expanded with branches in Sydney, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Shanghai, Berlin, Washington D.C., New York City, and Hollywood. The current owner is Merlin Entertainments Group. It was founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud and was formerly known as "Madame Tussauds. Madame Tussauds is a major tourist attraction, displaying waxworks of historical and royal figures, film stars, sports stars and other celebrities.
Marie Tussaud was born as Anna Maria Grosholtz in 1761 in Strasbourg, France. Her mother worked as a housekeeper for Dr. Philippe Curtius in Bern, Switzerland, who was a physician skilled in wax modelling. Dr Curtius taught Tussaud the art of wax modelling. One of the oldest surviving sculptures by Curtius is of Madame du Barry.
Tussaud created her first wax figure, of Voltaire, in 1777. Other famous people she modelled at that time include Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin and casted death masks of victims of the French Revolution. Following Dr Curtius's death in 1794, she inherited his vast collection of wax models and spent the next 33 years travelling around Europe. Her marriage to François Tussaud in 1795 lent a new name to the show: Madame Tussaud's.
Madame Tussauds wax figure
As a result of the Napoleonic Wars, she was unable to return to France, so she travelled throughout Great Britain and Ireland exhibiting her collection. From 1831 she took a series of short leases on the upper floor of "Baker Street Bazaar". By 1835 Marie had settled down in Baker Street, London, and opened a museum.
Today, the wax museum is a wonderful place to get up close to your favourite celebrities, see the Royals and view life-like famous historical figures and people of note.
Metro Hotels have two hotels and one self-serviced apartments within Sydney CBD and within walking distance to Madam Tussauds at Darling Harbour. The hotels are 2-5 minutes walk to major train stations and close to buses and taxis that can take you to Darling Harbour.
Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang has been called upon to help solve an epic mystery. A trouble-making ghost is haunting a local theatre and Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, Velma and Scooby-Doo are on their way in the Mystery Machine to crack the case.
Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysterieshas young audiences on the edge of their seats in traditional SCOOBY-DOO fashion from the moment the theatre lights go dim and the stage lights go on.
Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteriesfeatures a brand new American cast of world-class musical theatre professionals, clever staging and heaps of spooky special effects in a super-sized live show that has fans howling for more.
Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes including 20 minutes interval
When: Wednesday 2nd October 2013
Location: Capitol Theatre Sydney - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000 Australia
“THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT” The New York Times
Seen by over 65 million people, Disney’s landmark musical event The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon that will redefine your expectations of theatre. Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney beloved film is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has won over 70 major international theatre awards.
Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains, this breathtaking production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and unforgettable music including Elton John and Tim Rice’sCircle of Life, Hakuna Matata and the academy award winning Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
When: Showing from 13th Dec 2013 to 30th March 2014 (excludes public holidays)
Location: Capitol Theatre - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket, Sydney 2000 Australia
My Fiancé and I saw this in December 2012 in New York. From the very beginning we were captivated and cried during the amazing retelling of the story. We rave about it to everyone and will not be missing it when it comes to sydney!
Staying in Sydney for the show?
Need accommodation near Capitol Theatre?
Look no further than Metro Hotel Sydney Central - right next door to the Capitol Theatre whilst being close to other iconic Sydney attractions.
The legendary Fleetwood Mac, one of rock and roll’s most enduring bands, are set to bring their extraordinary show including exquisite harmonies, incomparable chemistry, sleek perfection and classic hits to Australia beginning November 10th in Sydney.
Fleetwood Mac’s spectacular two-hour-plus show reunites the multi-Grammy winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees on stage to deliver many of their classic and most beloved songs including ‘The Chain’, ‘Dreams’, ‘Second Hand News’, ‘Rhiannon’, ‘Sara’, ‘Gold Dust Woman’, ‘Tusk’, ‘Looking Out for Love’, ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Go Your Own Way’… the list goes on.
The current lineup includes Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham along with Fleetwood Mac founders Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.
“We are thrilled to return to Australia where we’ve always loved performing. Our fans there are phenomenal,” commented the group in a joint statement.
With a career spanning more than four decades and global album sales amassing more than 100 million, Fleetwood Mac live is not to be missed.
Rumours’ – the 1977 album that made Fleetwood Mac one of the world’s most iconic bands, garnered universal critical praise, earned the Grammy for Album of the Year and more than 40 million sales worldwide – celebrated its 35th anniversary this February with the release of both an expanded and super deluxe editions (through Warner Music Aust). In addition to the ‘Rumours’ reissue,
Last month Fleetwood Mac released a four-track EP, ‘Extended Play’, comprising of three new songs and one “lost song” from the 1973 Buckingham Nicks days; their first new material in more than a decade. When: Sunday 10th November 2013 ~ Starts at 8 PM Where: Sydney Entertainment Centre - 35 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour NSW 2000 Australia How to Get There:http://www.sydentcent.com.au/Venue/Location/Getting-Here/ Book tickets:http://www.ticketmaster.com.au Official Fleetwood Mac Website:http://www.fleetwoodmac.com/
SUNDAY Night on Channel 7 speaks to Fleetwood Mac on why they broke up and what made them get back together:
Staying in Sydney for the concert? Need accommodation near the Sydney Entertainment Centre? Book a stay at Metro Hotel Sydney Central, a close stroll to the Sydney Entertainment Centre plus other iconic Sydney attractions. Book here: Metro Hotel Sydney Central
Need an apartment instead of a hotel? Book a stay at the Metro Apartments on King.
As a local, I always get asked by friends and relatives from overseas about the best things to do to experience Sydney city first hand. If you have never been to Sydney - perhaps from interstate or from overseas - and want adventure and excitement (without trekking in the bush), then this is your guide to Sydney.
The rite of passage for any primary (elementary) school child in Sydney is going to Sydney Aquarium. It is a huge underwater aquarium where you get to experience unique freshwater and marine environments and discover an incredible 13,000 animals from 700 different species - including the world's largest variety of sharks and rays. This is great if you can't or don't like swimming and want to see sharks up close.
At Sydney Aquarium, you'll get to venture through 14 newly-themed zones including a new Shark Walk, a tropical Bay of Rays, an interactive Discovery Rockpool, Mangrove Swamps, a shipwreck and the new ocean tunnel walk-through - Shark Valley. Australia has some of the world's most intriguing marine animals - from dugongs to huge sharks, massive stingrays, majestic turtles, jellyfish, penguins, sea dragons, thousands of tropical fish, enormous crabs and much, much more. You can experience it all without getting wet!
From the freshwater rivers of the south to the tropical waters of the north, including the world's biggest and most impressive Great Barrier Reef exhibit, a trip to Sydney Aquarium takes you around Australia's coastline, into its oceans and up into its waterways - all without leaving the city.
Other than the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, unique Australian animals would be on the to see list of any tourist's schedule. Whether you're a kid at heart or arriving with kids, you'll love Wildlife Sydney Zoo, where you'll get a close encounter with iconic Australian animals: kangaroos and wallabies, koalas and kookaburras to possums to wombats.
If you're not into fluffy animals, they have reptiles and bugs too, where you get to view some of the deadliest Australian insects (behind glass of course). So whether your into cuddly cuteness or creepy crawlies, you are sure to be pleased.
For the ultimate view of the city of Sydney, you can't go past The Sydney Tower Eye (formally known as the Sydney Centre Point Tower). With a range of tours and walks available, they have packages to suit those of the not so faint hearted to people afraid of heights (but still want to see all of Sydney).
Skywalk Tour
You'll be walking on air 268 metres above stunning Sydney, with the city streets directly beneath your feet. Look down through the glass floor viewing platform for a bird's-eye perspective of the bustling city below, as part of a 45 minute guided tour around the outside of the iconic golden turret of Sydney Tower.
A must visit iconic Sydney attraction has to be the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Built in 1923, it has become a symbol of Sydney and Australia. Most people will take pictures of the bridge or perhaps travel on the bridge via the train or foot, but did you know that the bridge is now hosting bridge walks up to the top of the arch! It is an incredibly exhilarating experience, but rest assured, it is safe as every walker is harnessed.
Last but not least, one of the most well known representations of Australia has to be the Opera House. A unique architecture by Jørn Utzon, it epitomises Sydney and its wonderful shape of peaking crests are recognised all over the world. If you come to Sydney, this is a must visit place. The great thing about the Opera House is, you don't have to go inside or attend any events to tour the area. Feel free to walk about the premises and take pictures. If you want to go inside the Opera House, they do offer tours and musical or theatrical events for the public.
So there you have it, a feast for the eyes and senses. Be sure to try out the huge range of Australian cuisines on offer at restaurants around the city. We have some of the world's tastiest restaurants on offer. Our multicultural cuisines are combined with Australia's freshest produce to make them one of the best in the world.
If you're looking for accommodation close to all these major attractions around Sydney and aren't sure where to stay, Metro Hotels offer affordable and comfortable hotel rooms and apartments around Sydney city districts that will keep you close these venues and major public transport hubs.
Each hotel or self-serviced apartment is close to major train stations, buses or ferries. Because all four are situated in the city, there are also plenty of taxis available to catch on the street. Our city also offers a free bus service (it's a completely green bus) that loops around the main streets of Sydney. Many of the attractions can be reached by foot from our hotels. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs and public toilets all within walking distance.
‘A rousing success’ ‘Funny, poignant, sad and endearing’ Written by and starring Amity Dry from The Block All Stars Mother, Wife and the Complicated Life is the new musical comedy musical being lauded by critics and audiences alike. What if, instead of the Hollywood version of marriage and motherhood, we saw a depiction of how it really is – relentless, exhilarating, infuriating, funny, joyfully, heart-wrenchingly complicated. Meet Lily, Bec, Jessie and Kate, four best friends juggling relationships, kids, work and friends. Together they discover marriage is nothing like the movies, motherhood can push you to your limits and no one makes you laugh like your girlfriends do. Nominated for best musical in the 2012 Adelaide Theatre Guide Awards and debuting in Sydney after 3 successful Adelaide seasons, this exciting new show will leave you entertained, uplifted, challenged and inspired. So get your mothers group, girlfriends or partner together for a great night out and book now to see why the critics are calling it…
‘A rousing success‘
‘Powerful‘
‘A new Australian musical with great appeal‘
‘Outstanding’ ‘Funny, poignant, sad and endearing‘
‘A celebration of female friendships‘
‘Highly recommended‘
‘Fantastic‘
‘A laughing examination of girl power‘
‘A home-grown gem’
Official Website:www.motherwifemusical.com When: 23 MAY - 1 JUNE 2013 (Hurry last days!!!) Where: Cnr Cleveland Street and City Road, Chippendale (closest train station is Redfern) To Book:http://www.seymourcentre.com/events/event/mother-wife-and-the-complicated-life-the-musical/ Phone: 02 9351 7940 Time: Wed – Fri 8pm | Sat 2pm & 8pm Duration: 2hrs 10mins (including interval) Venue: Everest Theatre / Seymour Theatre Tickets*: from $39.90 | VIP $89.50** *Transaction fees apply: By phone – $6.00 Online – $4.50 **VIP tickets include complimentary champagne on arrival, meet & greet with Amity and cast. Guaranteed best seats in the house! Only 30 VIP tickets available per performance.
