Southern Steel return to rebuilt Stadium Southland

The Southern Steel netball squad have held their first training session of 2014, marking their return to the rebuilt ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill.

Set to again compete in the trans-Tasman ANZ Championship, the training marks the return of the team to the rebuilt venue.

Midcourter Wendy Frew told the Southland Times that it was nice to be back training inside ILT Stadium Southland, stating "we've waited three long years for this and it's a fantastic feeling to be back in our traditional home at ILT Stadium."

The venue has been rebuilt following the collapse of its roof in September 2010 after a heavy snow fall, causing extensive damage to its main arena and seven community courts.

The structure collapsed because of substandard building design and construction.

Management describe the venue as "the energetic heart of our Southern community."

The complex also incorporates the international standard SIT Zero Fees Velodrome, which was transformed into a multi-purpose arena after the damage to the adjacent ILT Stadium Southland, playing host to the Southern Steel over three seasons.

The venue hosted its first post-rebuild event before Christmas.

For more information go to www.stadiumsouth.co.nz/home

Image shows Stadium Southland after the roof collapse.

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