In the announcement made today, the Adelaide Thunderbirds will play their Round 7 home game against reigning premiers Sunshine Coast Lightning at Darwin’s Territory Netball Stadium on Saturday 8 June 2019 (2.30pm ACST).
Netball South Australia CEO, Ben Scales, said that Netball SA is excited to bring the first Suncorp Super Netball game to the Northern Territory, in partnership with Netball NT and the Northern Territory Government.
“The new Territory Netball Stadium is a wonderful facility and something the passionate netball community should be very proud of. Netball SA would like to thank Netball NT and the Northern Territory Government for their support of what we hope is the beginning of a long and productive partnership.
“We look forward to showcasing the talent of the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Suncorp Super Netball to the broader Territory community, as well as working with Netball NT to grow awareness of the sport,” said Ben Scales.
Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss said that the Territory is home to thousands of netball players and fans.
“Aside from giving Territorians access to professional sporting matches in state-of-the-art facilities, the Adelaide Thunderbirds versus Sunshine Coast Lightning match will also boost the local economy with hundreds of fans, players, media and broadcast personnel expected to travel to Darwin for the event.
“We know sport plays an important role in enhancing the Territory’s vibrant lifestyle, which is why the Northern Territory Government is proud to support this netball match through the $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus,” said the Minister.
Netball NT CEO, Ian Harkness says it is fantastic that the elite of the netball world are able to come to Darwin and play a Suncorp Super Netball match for competition points. The netball and sport loving public of the NT can see the athleticism and skills of the wonderful athletes that play this game.
“Thanks must go to Netball SA for working with us to bring the game to Darwin. We can’t wait to see the Thunderbirds in action against the reigning premiers, being an absolute bonus. The Territory Netball Stadium was, in part, built to enable these type of matches to be played here and to have one so soon after its opening is fantastic for the sport,” said Ian Harkness.
Adelaide Thunderbirds General Manager, Melody Cooper said it is great for our game to gain exposure in other locations around Australia.
“This is an opportunity to increase awareness of the Adelaide Thunderbirds and elite netball in areas that are not typically exposed to this level of competition which will be amazing. We know this is a chance for us to establish more advocates for the club outside of our Adelaide home,” said Melody Cooper.
This new partnership will deliver an opportunity to the netball fraternity to see some of the best netballers in the world compete in Darwin with Netball SA and Netball NT hoping this is the first of many games in the top end.
Ticketing information for the game will be released shortly.
