Super Netball Grand Final: Adelaide to host 2024 decider as Thunderbirds get set for new stadium

There’s more good news for the Thunderbirds ahead of Saturday’s Super Netball Grand Final, with the SA Government confirming another big win for the state in 2024.

It remains to be seen if the Adelaide will win their first Super Netball trophy but even if they can’t get it done against the Swifts this weekend the Thunderbirds will be celebrating with a new stadium and grand final secured for 2024.

Thunderbirds have played out of Netball SA stadium for the majority of their home games this season – an outdated venue that saw a game suspended due to power issues and the start delayed due to decal issues on the court.

Netball Australia and the South Australian Government confirmed just days out from the 2023 grand final that Adelaide would host the 2024 Super Netball Grand Final at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

It will be the third year Netball Australia has opted to sell the hosting rights to the grand final, with the first played in Perth and this year’s to be held in Melbourne.

The venue can seat an extra 7000 spectators than Netball SA Stadium.

As part of the partnership with the South Australian Government, the Thunderbirds will play their home matches at the much bigger stadium.

This will allow for major upgrades to be carried out to the Netball SA Stadium.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said it was great to see state government’s investing in the growth of the sport.

Adelaide will host Super Netball Grand Final in 2024. Picture: Sue McKay/Getty Images

“This partnership will create a legacy for the future generations of South Australian netballers,” Ryan said.

“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.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said Adelaide was fast becoming known for hosting major sporting events.

“Hopefully the 2024 Grand Final will see our Thunderbirds mounting a defence of a 2023 premiership title,” Malinauskas said.

“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.

Thunderbirds Tayla Williams, Latanya Wilson and Georgie Horjus ahead of this year’s decider. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

“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.”

Netball South Australia CEO Bronwyn Klei said it was a big win for the state’s growing netball community.

“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,” Klei said.

“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 sellout 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.”