As the Vodafone Pink Test comes to an end, the McGrath Foundation has beaten the record for the largest ever crowd at the SCG, filling the equivalent of the biggest stadium Australia has ever seen, selling more than 150,000 virtual Pink Seats and raising a phenomenal $3,012,340.
The record for the largest sporting crowd at the SCG is 78,056 at the Rugby League Grand final between St George and South Sydney Rabbitohs in 1965, while the biggest sporting crowd recorded in Australia is 121,696 at the MCG.
Glenn McGrath, Co-Founder and President of the McGrath Foundation, said the McGrath Foundation has been overwhelmed by the support of people right across Australia and around the world, who ‘pinked up’ by buying virtual Pink Seats.
“To say we’re blown away is an understatement. In the 13 years of the Pink Test, we have seen how Australia has gone into bat for the McGrath Foundation, but we never imagined we would be here today having raised over $3 million,” he said.
“This past year has been tough for everyone, but even in these challenging times, the generosity of Australians and the broader cricketing community is just incredible.
“We remain so humbled by the response and we want to express our sincere thanks to everyone who bought a virtual Pink Seat to help keep the ‘pink’ in the Sydney Pink Test.
“Your support means we will be able to fund 22 McGrath Breast Care Nurses for a year, who will support 2,200 families going through breast cancer.
“Many people don’t realise that it costs us around $14 million every year to fund our 154 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, so the generosity everyone has shown over the last five days is absolutely essential in helping us towards our goal of 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses to support every Australian family going through breast cancer.
“Thank you, Australia. You have shown up for each of the 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each day, and our McGrath Breast Care Nurses will be there every step of the way to support families experiencing breast cancer, no matter where they are.
“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to our partners at Cricket Australia and the SCG, who deliver this incredible event each year for us,” McGrath said.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO, said:
“It has been incredible to see the Australian cricket family rally together to support the McGrath Foundation and raise money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses around Australia,” Hockley said.
“After 13 years, the McGrath Foundation continues to innovate, and the virtual seat campaign has provided the community a fantastic way to get involved in what has been a very special Test match, whilst also making a such a positive difference.
“We are incredibly grateful to the SCG, our broadcast partners and the wider community for your incredible support of the McGrath Foundation,” Hockley said.
Kerrie Mather CEO Venues NSW said: “This remarkable achievement reinforces how much the McGrath Foundation’s aims resonate with people all over Australia.
“All of us at the SCG are very proud to partner with Glenn, Tracy, Holly and the team and Cricket Australia to deliver this truly special event.”
You can still get your virtual Pink Seats at www.pinktest.com.au.
Name of Author: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA), formerly the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), is the governing body for cricket in Australia. Established in 1905 as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket, CA manages all national teams, including Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sides, as well as other national teams. It oversees the organization of Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, and coordinates home international fixtures.
