150 Very Important Bears – or VIBs – were invited to Sixes as part of a day-long festival of fun to launch the Bears summer of T20 Vitality Blast cricket.
The entertainment bar located in the Mailbox was the perfect host as Bears fans and players alike joined up to celebrate the competition which starts at Edgbaston on Saturday 1 June.
Chris Benjamin, Jacob Bethell, George Garton, Richard Gleeson, Sam Hain, Hamza Shaikh and Kai Smith were all in attendance alongside Central Sparks’ Chloe Brewer and Charis Pavely. Supporters were able to mingle and meet their players, before listening to an exclusive Q&A, hosted by Bears Den TV commentator Adam Bridge.
During the evening, guests were given the opportunity to use the indoor cricket facilities for free, as well taste two bespoke cocktails created for the evening.
The event was a cherry-topper to an exciting day around the city.
A Bear Hunt, which saw Bears players and Hugh Bear cuddly toys dotted in and around Birmingham, was started on social media with exclusive prices won. Visitors were also able to face Bears players on a pop-up cricket pitch just outside the Mailbox.
Bears Marketing Executive Beth Peers said: “We’re all incredibly excited for the Vitality Blast and we felt there was nothing better than celebrating the competition with our supporters.
“The Bear Hunt allowed us not only to engage with our existing fans, but news one too, as our cuddly toys, hidden around Birmingham, were found by a whole range of different people.
“The evening at Sixes was great, and I really want to thank the players, who not only signed autographs and took pictures, but gave tips to the children having a net.”
Bears’ 2024 Vitality Blast campaign starts on Friday 31 May with a trip to Durham before the team return to Edgbaston the following day (Sat 1 June) for Blast Off, a spectacular double-header featuring four teams.
Blast Off sees Derbyshire Falcons take on Leicestershire Foxes from 2.30pm before Bears face Notts Outlaws at 6.30pm.
Tickets to see Birmingham Bears in action are available on the Bears website.
Four Teams. Two Matches. Blast Off is back!
Vitality Blast Off is back and the Bears will launch their home T20 campaign with a huge men’s double-header featuring two big Midlands rivalry games.
Taking place on Saturday 1 June, Derbyshire Falcons host Leicestershire Foxes (2.30pm) before the Bears take on Notts Outlaws (6.30pm). Buy tickets in advance and save.
