Bendigo Stadium ready to host 2019 Suncorp Super Netball

The recently expanded Bendigo Stadium is now well equipped to host competitions such as the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball.

The Melbourne Vixens will head to Bendigo from 30th to 31st March for a pre-season competition in the lead-up to the 2019 season.

The round-robin format will see the Vixens host three teams at Bendigo Stadium with the support of the City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government.

City of Greater Bendigo Tourism and Major Events Manager Terry Karamaloudis said the recently expanded Bendigo Stadium was well equipped to host competitions of this standard.

Karamaloudis advised “the stadium has recently hosted Melbourne United and the Australian Men’s Basketball Team which demonstrates the level of sporting events Bendigo is attracting.

“It is fantastic to now be able to host first class netball in Bendigo for our community to enjoy and take part in clinics and other events. We look forward to welcoming the Vixens to Bendigo.”

Melbourne Vixens head coach, Simone McKinnis said the pre-season matches provide a great opportunity for the team to finalise preparations ahead of the season and give back to the community.

McKinnis advised “getting to play in a pre-season competition like this is an important part of pre-season as it’s an opportunity for us to uncover areas of our games to focus on in the final few weeks before round one.

“We know Vixens fans come from near and far, so to be able to bring a competition to Bendigo is incredibly important to us in reaching out to these fans who support us through the season.”

Netball Victoria will also be engaged in a number of community events in the area in the week of the competition, including a coaches conference, umpiring workshops, Rock Up Netball sessions and junior clinics.

Collingwood Magpies and reigning premiers West Coast Fever will meet in Bendigo for round five of the Suncorp Super Netball Season on Saturday, 25th May.

Bendigo Stadium General Manager of Sport Ben Harvey added “netball is a big sport in Australia but regionally in Victoria it’s massive and this will be a good opportunity to see netball stars on the court at the Bendigo stadium.

“We’re very proud to be hosting the match and hopefully there are many more to come.”

The season commences on 26th April when the Vixens play the Firebirds in Melbourne.

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