Super Netball: Cairns pop-up arena a chance to host games

A purpose-built pop-up sporting arena being built in Cairns could be Far North Queensland’s golden ticket to securing Super Netball fixtures in the upcoming season.

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A purpose-built pop-up sporting arena being built in Cairns could be Far North Queensland’s golden ticket to securing Super Netball fixtures in the upcoming season.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Tourism Minister Kate Jones and Super Netball chief executive Chris Symington on Sunday announced the entire Super Netball season would be moving to Queensland, with all six interstate teams to play up to 60 games, including finals, throughout the state.

Cairns is in line to host at least one game but a venue is yet to be determined, with limited suitable options in the region.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Tegan Philip of the Vixens shoots during the Super Netball Preliminary Final between the NSW Swifts and the Melbourne Vixens at Quay Centre on September 08, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

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However, Queensland’s Sport Minister Mick de Brenni said there was potential for Cairns to host Super Netball fixtures at a new pop-up venue being built in Portsmith.

The temporary facility is being established by the State Government to ensure the Cairns Taipans will have a home in the Far North to start the upcoming NBL season, while the Cairns Convention Centre is out of action.

Taking shape on the former Bunnings site on Spence St, the 2000-seat basketball arena will have temporary seating, broadcast lighting, broadcast-level stands, video scoreboards, change rooms, airconditioning and catering equipment installed before the NBL season tips off in early December.

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The 2020 Super Netball competition will be played entirely in Queensland, with interstate teams relocating for the duration of the season. Cairns junior netballers Bella Grace, 12, Sami-Lee Smith, 13, Emily Grace, 14, and Shelby Smith, 12, are huge Queensland Firebirds fans, and are eager to watch their idols play games in Cairns. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

The Taipans are also expected to use the court for training and pre-season games.

Super Netball fixtures have not yet been released, but with the season set to wrap up in late November, there could be an opportunity to host matches at the temporary facility later in the season.

De Brenni said Queensland’s response to coronavirus restrictions had put the Sunshine State in the box seat to benefit from elite sport’s migration north.

“Of course, we want to see this increased economic boost spread right across our state, and discussions are ongoing with Super Netball and the Queensland Government to ascertain if other events could be hosted from this unique venue in the heart of Cairns at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.

It’s unlikely that visiting teams would use Cairns Netball Association’s Martyn St facility, as professional outfits generally play and train at indoor venues, while the Cairns Convention Centre is unavailable until early February, due to a 65-delay in the $176 million upgrade project.

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YMCA Cairns Marlin Coast Recreation Centre and the Fish Tank have also been touted as potential venues, but neither is up to international netball standard.

Super Netball is expected to release the season’s fixtures in two phases, with the first set due out this week.

Originally published as Super Netball: Cairns pop-up arena a chance to host games