A Super Netball Grand Final and first pics of new $92m stadium
As the Pink Army preps for a massive weekend of Super Netball, Adelaide Thunderbirds fan, Peter Malinauskas, has released a sneak peek of a new $92 million sporting facility which will replace the run-down Netball SA stadium at Mile End.
After a thrilling ‘time-on’ win over Sydney Swifts in the 2023 Grand Final, the T-Birds are prepping to defend their Suncorp Super Netball Premiership this Saturday, in front of a home crowd at Adelaide Entertainment Centre. In the wake of 2023 Grand Final glory, Malinauskas was quick to secure the rights for this year’s final showdown and also lock-in the Entertainment Centre as the new home of the Thunderbirds.
The move from the leaking roof and dodgy power at Mile End has delivered a record season, with the Thunderbirds welcoming more than 56,000 people to their seven home games this season, an increase of 115 percent on 2023.
Buzzing with excitement for the weekend’s game, Premier Malinauskas said –
“The Thunderbirds are an inspiration to tens of thousands of girls and boys across our state.”
“Netball is one of the state’s most popular physical activities, with more than 35,000 people regularly participating – and we’re determined to deliver grassroots facilities that are fit for purpose, which is exactly what will happen with our major investment at Mile End.”
Construction on the new multi-sport facility is expected to begin next year, and include more indoor courts – with a 3,000 seat show court, 26 outdoor courts with more shelter, lighting and new playing surfaces, new change rooms and upgraded food and beverage facilities. It is expected to be complete in 2028.
For those not making their way to the Entertainment Centre to see the T-Birds quest for back-to-back premiers against Melbourne Vixens, the 6.30pm match will be broadcast on Kayo Freebies and Foxtel.
