Game On Down Under: MLB Launches Opening Series In Sydney, Australia This Weekend

LA Dodgers and AZ Diamondbacks Enjoy the Best of Sydney in Lead Up to Opening Series

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Mar 21, 2014, 03:37 ET

SYDNEY, March 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sydney, Australia welcomed Major League Baseball stars from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers this week, ahead of this weekend's historic MLB Opening Series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

LA Dodgers with surf lifesavers on Bondi Beach (Drew Butera, Tim Federowicz, Mike Baxter, Chris Withrow). (PRNewsFoto/Destination New South Wales) (PRNewsFoto/DESTINATION NEW SOUTH WALES)

Diamondbacks pitcher Josh Collmenter and friends take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour from the Bridge Climb. (PRNewsFoto/Destination New South Wales) (PRNewsFoto/DESTINATION NEW SOUTH WALES)

The players took time out of their preparation for the games to enjoy the best of Sydney. The Los Angeles Dodgers visited the renowned Bondi Beach and the baseball superstars played ball with junior players from Illawong and St John Bosco Baseball Clubs on the eve of their Team Australia Challenge match at the SCG. The Arizona Diamondbacks took in the stunning Sydney Harbour from the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Please see images attached.

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Barry O'Farrell welcomed the teams earlier this week. "The MLB Opening Series is one of the most anticipated sporting events ever to be staged in Sydney," Mr. O'Farrell said.

"It's been a long-build up since we announced Sydney had secured these matches but the Opening Series is nearly upon us – the amazing transformation of the hallowed SCG into a ballpark is complete and both teams have now arrived in our beautiful city."

"My Government came to office with a commitment to grow the State's economy by bringing major events to NSW and there is no surer sign we are delivering on our commitment than the MLB Opening Series."

The Opening Series marks the beginning of the Major League Baseball season, and has only been played outside the United States six times, including four Series in Japan. The SCG will be hosting the Opening Series, 100 years after it hosted an exhibition game between Chicago White Sox and New York Giants in 1914. The SCG has been transformed into a Major League Baseball field for the two baseball games, with the construction of an infield clay area, pitcher's mound, dugouts and additional grandstand. For more information on Sydney, New South Wales please visit www.sydney.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140321/NY88510-a
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140321/NY88510-b

SOURCE Destination New South Wales