In a huge win for South Australian netball fans, Adelaide has been secured to host the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, and a new home for the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
The playoff for the 2024 premiership will take place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, with dates to be announced once the Suncorp Super Netball fixture is finalised.
The major event to is expected to attract netball fans from South Australia and interstate.
The announcement comes as it is confirmed the Adelaide Entertainment Centre will be the new home court for the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Discussions facilitated by the State Government with Netball SA and the Adelaide Thunderbirds management have paved the way for South Australia’s premier netball team to play home games at the AEC from next season, allowing them to grow their passionate fan base even further.
In turn, the move of elite netball to the Entertainment Centre will allow the State Government to begin immediate work developing a plan to rejuvenate the ageing Netball SA Stadium at Mile End.
Netball SA has close to 35,000 members, most of whom are women and girls.
Bringing the 25-year-old Mile End stadium up to modern day standards will allow the government to better cater for the growing sport and maximise community participation in the future.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the state is developing a reputation for securing outstanding major events.
“I’m thrilled to announce the 2024 Super Netball Grand Final will be right here in Adelaide,” Premier Malinauskas said.
“Hopefully the 2024 Grand Final will see our Thunderbirds mounting a defence of a 2023 premiership title.
“But either way, I know the city will be buzzing with excitement, and rolling out the red carpet to more interstate visitors who know we will put on a great show.
“More women and girls play netball than any other sport.
“The significance of the move of the Thunderbirds to the Entertainment Centre can’t be understated.
“It will provide an opportunity to grow crowds at the elite level of the game – but more importantly, it will provide us the freedom to take proper action to upgrade Mile End netball stadium, for the tens of thousands of netballers who use it each year.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Katrine Hildyard said more than 35,000 girls and women love participating in netball.
“Played in suburbs and regions across our state, it brings communities together. Communities who also love cheering on the magnificent Thunderbirds who have enthralled us throughout this season,” Minister Hildyard said.
“I have no doubt that with the T-Birds battling it out in the upcoming 2023 Grand Final and the 2024 Grand Final now secured to be here in South Australia, their fan base will grow.
“The Thunderbirds inspire so many girls and women to participate and chase their sporting dreams.
“Ensuring these magnificent athletes have the facilities they need and deserve will enable them to inspire even more young women to get active and involved.
“Our Government is serious about backing girls and women in sport; this commitment absolutely speaks to that support. I wish the Thunderbirds the very best for the weekend!”
Netball Australia CEO, Kelly Ryan said this partnership will create a legacy for the future generations of South Australian netballers.
“Beyond the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, the South Australian Government’s investment in the sport will boost our ability to grow both the grassroots and elite levels,” Ms Ryan said.
“Demand is stronger than ever for netball, with record crowd attendance and increasing viewership on Foxtel and Kayo Sports across the Suncorp Super Netball season, as well as rising participation rates nationally.
“We look forward to bringing the Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final to Adelaide in 2024.”
Netball SA CEO, Bronwyn Klei said today’s announcement is not only monumental for the Adelaide Thunderbirds, but for the entire netball community across South Australia.
“South Australia is a huge netball state and I have no doubt our community will welcome the Grand Final here in Adelaide in 2024.
“Netball is the number one sport for women and girls and Netball SA Stadium is the home of netball for our state, with hundreds of thousands coming through the doors each year.
“Securing the Adelaide Entertainment Centre as the host of Thunderbirds home games in 2024 is significant for our club.
“With record membership numbers and a sell-out season in 2023, a move to AEC will allow our Pink Army to continue to grow while we work with the state government to turn Netball SA Stadium into the facility our community deserves.
“I would like to thank the state government for backing our sport and helping to ensure the future sustainability of netball for generations to come.”
Adelaide Thunderbirds captain, Hannah Petty said this announcement is incredibly exciting for the club and the entire netball family.
“The atmosphere our Pink Army is able to create at a venue like the Adelaide Entertainment Centre is second-to-none and we love playing there,” Ms Petty said/
“Hopefully we’re defending our title in a home Grand Final in 2024.
“As a South Australian netballer, I’ve spent a significant portion of my time at Netball SA Stadium and I’m excited to see it become a top-class facility for netballers at all levels.”
