Luis Reece is hoping to see more sell-out crowds for the Vitality Blast campaign as the whole squad pushes to reach a first Finals Day for the Club.
Derbyshire host seven games in the group stages, including the visit of Notts Outlaws to The 3aaa County Ground on Friday 13 July and Yorkshire Vikings to Chesterfield on Saturday 28 July.
After two sold-out fixtures in last summer’s competition, over 20% of tickets for the big local derby against Yorkshire have already been sold, and Reece hopes to see more capacity crowds in the county this summer.
He said: “Last year was an awesome spectacle at Chesterfield, going to the last ball and winning the game. It really set our campaign up and we appreciated all the support we got.
“The atmosphere was one of the best I’ve been involved in and hopefully we can replicate that again this year, with a packed crowd and a good contest for the supporters.
“It’s the same against Notts. It’s a big rivalry for the supporters and the players feed off that and the buzz around the crowd.”
Last summer Derbyshire reached a first quarter-final in the format since 2005 after a Club-record eight wins saw them finish second in the North Group. The all-rounder wants to build on the platform set and go one step further in 2018, with the help of new signing, Mitchell Santner.
He added: “We would love to get to Finals Day. Last year we came so close and the boys were desperate to get there, so we’ll be pushing really hard this year to get there and get our supporters to Finals Day.
“As a team you never value one competition over another, but as a Club we have never been to Finals Day and it would be great for the players and supporters.
“You’re live on TV, playing in front of a packed crowd and a great atmosphere, it’s a massive goal for the Club.
“Everyone stuck their hand up in different scenarios last year. But we’ve missed someone who can go in and whack the ball from the start and also offer control with the ball.
“With his recent form in Twenty20 cricket and the One-Day International series with England, Santner has shown he’s more than capable of doing this.
“He’s a quality player and we’re luck that we’ve signed him so I’m sure he’ll do well when he comes over.”
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons host seven Twenty20 games this July and August. Purchase your tickets in advance and save from £4. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
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