SOME Perth Scorchers fans face being locked out of a home Big Bash League final at Optus Stadium because of concerns around pressure the game would put on the public transport system.

The Scorchers currently sit atop the BBL ladder with six wins from eight outings and with four games to go, look a strong chance to finish top-two and set up a home semi-final.

That match would be played at the new stadium, which would ordinarily have a capacity for cricket matches of 55,000 people.

But that crowd will likely be capped at 15,000 less for a BBL semi-final on either Thursday February 1 or Friday February 2, likely around 4pm to coincide with peak TV viewing time in the eastern states.

“We’ll have further discussions this week but it looks like being around 40,000,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti told Gareth Parker’s Mornings show on Radio 6PR.

“It’s a product of the stadium location. I find this debate quite interesting …this was always the case and I remember trying to raise this when I was in opposition.

“Not many people picked it up at the time but because of where the stadium is and peak hour traffic issues, it’s very difficult. There are going to be limits until the [still under construction] stadium bridge is built.

“Ideally the bridge will be carrying 14,000 people. There’s a shuttle service from central stadium out to stadium station and that impacts on the Midland and Armadale lines.

“There’s enormous pressure on the public transport and I remember we tried to get it out of the government before [we were elected] about those issues around 3pm or 4pm games.”

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Scorchers tickets have become among the hottest in town on the back of their remarkable success since the Big Bash started in 2011-12.

The Scorchers have hosted a home final in all bar one season and are three-time winners of the competition.

Because of their popularity, moving matches from the boutique-sized WACA ground to a much bigger venue was a major selling point in cricket’s move to Optus Stadium.

“It’s 40,000 and that’s more than the capacity of the WACA and that’s a good thing,” Ms Saffioti said.

“I think they had 22,000 on the January the 8th [against the Melbourne Renegades].”

All cricket games at the new stadium will be limited to 55,000 capacity because of the need for sightscreens at either end of the ground. AFL matches will have crowds up to 60,000.

The government has requested the AFL not to fixture any weekday night games at Optus Stadium until the bridge is completed.

Cricket Australia said it would endeavour to get access for as many Scorchers fans as possible.

“We are aware of the government’s proposal to reduce capacity of the stadium, should there be a weekday semi-final,” CA said in a statement.

“We know how passionate Scorchers fans are and we are working hard with the government to ensure Optus Stadium can host as many people as possible, should they be eligible to host a Big Bash semi-final.”