Overseas opener Paul Stirling can't wait to sample the Edgbaston crowd on Thursday night against the Steelbacks.
Stirling – who is available for the first 12 games – is a destructive force in world cricket, having amassed 6,952 runs with two centuries and 47 half centuries at a strike rate of 141.67 in the wider T20 game.
The Irish vice-captain enjoyed a quick-fire 71 for the Bears Second XI on Tuesday and he’ll be hoping that a raucous Edgbaston will help him go one better.
“I’m massively excited,” said the 31-year-old. “I just got here in the past couple of days and I’m really enjoying my time so far.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in – we’ve got three big games this week – so everyone is ready to go – especially the ones who haven’t played much red ball cricket. They’re really buzzing and there’s a really good vibe here.
“The exciting thing for me is playing in the North Group for the first time so there’s a lot of new teams which makes it fresh.”
“I think the crowds have been the biggest miss over the past few years and I think it gets every player going and brings out the best in most players. I’m really looking forward to that even if it’s good or bad as there will be a few words from the boundary.
“It’s great for the game to have them back.”
T20 Quarter-Final: Tickets only £10
Birmingham Bears will host Hampshire Hawks at Edgbaston on Thursday 7 July (6.30pn) in the Vitality Blast quarter-finals.
Adult tickets are available from £10, when you buy in advance of the day of the match. Under 12s go FREE and 12 to 15-year-olds are £1. Members and Season Pass holders go FREE.