Junior cricketers have the opportunity to take on the Otago Volts at the Otago Cricket Association's "backyard BBQ cricket meet" today.
Families are also invited to join in, and the Volts will join the junior players in a series of outfield matches.
The event, open to all registered junior teams, marks the beginning of the new cricket season.
OCA operations manager Andy McLean said the mood within the association was the most optimistic it had been in ages.
"Winning the 2008 State Shield was fantastic, and I reckon that [Otago coach] Mike Hesson has put together a team good enough to take it out again next season, and we're looking to be even more competitive in the four-day State Championship and twenty/20 tournament, which is fantastic," he said.
McLean said the association would tabulate registrations over the next week, but anecdotal evidence pointed to an increase in numbers.
He said twenty/20 had rekindled interest in cricket.
"It's great for kids, because it fits all their desires to go out there and smash the ball around and take quick wickets, while older people like it too because they can fit it into their busy, fast-paced lifestyle."
The event takes place at the University Oval from 4pm-7pm.
