South Australia’s home of netball at Mile End is set for a major upgrade after Netball SA received a significant $12 million in state government funding.
On Sunday, Premier Steven Marshall and Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard confirmed the stadium was the latest major sporting precinct to benefit from the Marshall Liberal Government’s $214 million Sports Fund.
Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said the upgrade would allow the organisation to create a game-changing space for the women and girls of SA and bring one of the state’s most-utilised locations into the modern era.
“This announcement is momentous for our sport and the netball community across South Australia,” Ms Klei said.
“The stadium is utilised by players from grassroots level to the elite and is the home of our Adelaide Thunderbirds family.
“I have no doubt this significant investment in our sport will have a positive flow on effect for netball across the entire state.”
The Netball SA stadium redevelopment includes:
- Creation of modern entry facilities with turnstiles and open foyer
- Updated cafe/eatery and bar facilities for patrons
- Technology upgrade including new scoreboards and replay screens
- Increased stadium capacity
- Better viewing spaces and connection between the indoor and outdoor courts
With Netball SA recently announcing the end of its seven-year partnership with Priceline Pharmacy, Ms Klei said the organisation was open to new partnership opportunities, including the naming rights to the stadium.
“Priceline Pharmacy has been an incredible partner over the past seven years, but with our time together coming to a close, Netball SA and the Adelaide Thunderbirds are now on the lookout for new opportunities,” Ms Klei said.
“This funding puts a spotlight on the stadium and presents an incredible opportunity for potential new partners.
“We look forward to exploring our options in the coming months and working with our sponsors to create a hallmark destination for sport in South Australia.”
The announcement of the $214 million Sports Fund coincides with the release of The State Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan.
Minister Wingard said the plan will lead South Australia into a golden sporting era and help the state bounce back from the crippling financial impacts of COVID-19.
“The comprehensive work that went into the plan started long before we were thrown into a global health crisis but delivering on key projects outlined within it will help us navigate out of the troubling times we find ourselves in,” Minister Wingard said.
“The first projects under this plan are expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and boost our economy significantly.
“The potential for our state, as we deliver on the projects in this plan, is massive and will position us as a global destination for major sporting events.
“Not only that, we’re committed to upgrading facilities at the grassroots level too because we know how important it is for everyone in our community to be active and healthy.”
