The South Australian government and Netball Australia have today announced Adelaide will host the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final.
The 2024 event will take place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, which will also host all Adelaide Thunderbirds home games for the 2024 season.
The move, which will be supported by the State Government, will allow the Thunderbirds to continue to grow their fanbase following record membership numbers and a sell-out season in 2023.
It will also allow Netball SA – the governing body behind the Thunderbirds – to work with the State Government in developing a plan to rejuvenate Netball SA Stadium.
Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said today’s announcements were not only monumental for the 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,” Ms Klei.
“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.”
Thunderbirds captain Hannah Petty said the announcement was exciting for South Australia’s 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,” 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.”
The Adelaide Thunderbirds will play in their first Grand Final in 10 years this Saturday, July 8, at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas
“Our state is developing a reputation for securing outstanding major events, and I’m thrilled to announce the 2024 Super Netball Grand Final will be right here in Adelaide.”
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan
“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.
“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.”
