Opinion: Big summer of cricket fantastic for Bay of Plenty

Bay Oval Trust general manager Kelvin Jones, is looking forward to another great season of cricket. Photo / John Borren.

What a major coup it was for Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval to secure so many ODI matches in the Black Caps schedule.

As reported this week, the oval will host more one day international (ODI) cricket over the 2018-19 summer than any other ground in New Zealand.

The oval will be the venue for two matches against Sri Lanka - on January 3 and 5, followed by two more against the powerful Indian team over the holiday weekend on January 26 and 28.

There will also be a women's ODI between the White Ferns and India on January 29, the day after the Auckland Anniversary Day men's international.

Bay Oval's four men's ODIs during the season are double that of Napier's reconstituted McLean Park, while Nelson, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin have just one 50-over match each.

Continuing issues with Eden Park's resource consent means Auckland's entire international cricket schedule this summer is limited to just two T20 internationals.

Auckland's loss, it seems, has been our gain.

The arrival of cricket fans will give the city a significant economic boost and add to its vibrancy.

Bay of Plenty Cricket chief executive Chris Rapson says the commercial value of the events will contribute about $20 million to the local economy and Tourism Bay of Plenty says such events are a powerful way to drive visitors to our region.

The travelling teams bring many support crew, family and friends and, of course, fans who will spend money in our city.

The matches will also provide global media exposure.

Images of the Oval under lights and scenic shots around Mount Maunganui and Tauranga will be broadcast to a massive global audience.

Once again, credit for this must go to the Bay Oval Trust, for its foresight in installing LED lights at the ground.

The whole city is now benefiting from that decision.