The summer heat may have eased but the temperature in the famed “Furnace” was rising as Perth Scorchers fans flocked to Optus Stadium for the first game of the Big Bash League season.

Eager supporters flocked in their orange outfits more than three hours before the first ball was bowled against the Melbourne Stars, with more than 45,000 fans expected.

It was a sea of orange as Scorchers fans anticipated another season from the powerhouse side who have won an incredible five championships.

Young Scorchers fan Harper Richardson, 9, was excited to attend her first game of the summer and was looking forward to seeing veteran Andrew Tye bowl.

“He’s a good player,” Harper told The West Australian.

The Big Bash League brings fans from all over the world, including English expat Debbie Darbyshire who was a long-time Scorchers fan.

And she couldn’t wait to see English imports Keaton Jennings and Matty Hurst make their debuts.

“It’s going to be good, we’re excited. We’re hoping they win the season,” she said.

“My favourite player is (Josh) Inglis. Unfortunately, he is not here at the moment but I do like him.”

The clash had a Wild West theme, with special food on offer as part of the experience including selling 2000 Scorchers donuts, 1500 Biggie Smalls kebabs and more than 600 Wild Wild West Dog.