Major League Baseball stars AJ Ellis, of the LA Dodgers, and Patrick Corbin, of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have made their mark on Sydney as they climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of their promotional tour in Sydney ahead of the MLB Opening Series in March 2014.

'Catcher' Ellis and 'Pitcher' Corbin, along with representatives from both teams, completed the ascent to the summit of the Bridge, 134 metres above the glittering Sydney Harbour.  This spectacular climb followed the arrival press conference earlier this week at the Sydney Opera House, with NSW Premier, Barry O'Farrell announcing that two exhibition games are to be played in the lead up to the MLB Opening Series in March 2014.

"It's fantastic to be in Sydney and to see everything this harbour city has to offer. It was exciting to experience the Bridge Climb today and stand on top of such an iconic Sydney landmark. I can't wait to return in March and be part of the Opening Series as well as play in these new pre-season games." Mr Ellis said.

Earlier this year the NSW Government through Destination NSW, its tourism and major events agency, won the rights for Sydney to host the Opening Series of Major League Baseball in 2014 - the first time such a match will be held in Australia and this series will be the seventh time it's been held outside the United States.

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase said, "It is fantastic to have the LA Dodgers and Arizona Diamondback representatives here experiencing Sydney for the first time. It was great to be able to show them some of the many wonderful sights and take them on iconic experiences such as Bridge Climb. No doubt they will spread the word about how fantastic Sydney is to friends, family and fans when they return for the official tour next year. 

"The announcement of two pre-season exhibition games will give Australian fans even further opportunity to see the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in action in Sydney. As Australia's home for major events we are all looking forward to March when sports fans will get a chance to be a part of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Major League Baseball in Sydney," she said.

Diamondbacks pitcher, Patrick Corbin said, "I've loved every second of Sydney. It was such an amazing experience to be able to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and view the spectacular harbour from above. I'm excited to tell my team mates about the beautiful city and get back here in March to battle it out."

The Sydney Cricket Ground will be transformed into a Major Baseball League field for the Opening Series, with the construction of an infield clay area, pitcher's mound, dugouts and additional grandstand.

The MLB Opening Series is expect to deliver $13 million in direct visitor impact for the local economy, as well as be shown to a massive global television audience, showcasing Australia's global city.

For more information visit www.mlbsydney2014.com

For more information on what to see and do in Sydney, and other great short-break destinations across New South Wales, around the event dates, visit www.sydney.com

Please photo credit: Destination NSW/James Horan
 

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For more images from today, please contact:

Tess Mion
Destination NSW
+61 2 9931 1162
tess.mion@dnsw.com.au