Adelaide Entertainment Centre delivers for Thunderbirds
Ahead of Saturday’s Super Netball Grand Final, the Adelaide Thunderbirds are celebrating a record season at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
The Super Netball club made the ambitious move from the 3,200-capacity Netball SA Stadium, relocating all home games to the larger AEC this year.
The move has delivered significant dividends, with the Thunderbirds welcoming more than 56,000 people to their seven home games this season, at an average of more than 8,000 per game, representing an increase of 115% on 2023.
The Thunderbirds saw their largest ever crowd in the Round 14 season finale against the Lightning, with 9,248 people watching the Adelaide side lock in top spot on the ladder. The Thunderbirds have secured a membership of 4,300 this season, an 85 per cent increase on last year.
Last year, the South Australian Government secured the rights for Adelaide to host the 2024 Super Netball Grand Final, at the same time as it reached an agreement to lock in the Entertainment Centre to be the Thunderbirds’ permanent home.
The Adelaide Thunderbirds host the Melbourne Vixens in the season decider at the AEC on Saturday night, with tickets selling out in minutes.
The club was forced to play its semi final at Adelaide 36ers Arena, due to the unavailability of the AEC. That fixture also attracted a sell-out crowd to the 8,000-seat venue in Findon.
The Adelaide 36ers have also seen increased attendances since moving their NBL home games from their Findon home.
Meanwhile, the South Australian Government has released a new concept video of its planned $92 million new multi-sport facility at Mile End to replace the ageing Netball SA Stadium.
Planning for the two stages of the project is now underway, with netball fans invited to view and provide feedback on the project at Saturday’s Grand Final.
The brand-new facility will include:
- A 3,000-seat indoor show court
- More indoor courts
- 26 outdoor courts with better shelter, improved lighting and new playing surfaces
- New changerooms
- Improved food and beverage facilities
The existing stadium at Mile End has been plagued by issues including a leaking roof, failed air-conditioning and power failures which have previously forced the cancellation of games.
Construction on the new facility is expected to begin next year, with the new facility to open its doors in 2028.
Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said, “2024 has been a monumental year for netball in South Australia, headlined by our Adelaide Thunderbirds who have experienced a record-breaking season on and off the court.
“Our move to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre has been a resounding success as we averaged over 8,000 at all seven home games – an increase of 115% on 2023.
“The team made history on court with record margins and highest scores and were undefeated at our new home.
“As reigning premiers, our Thunderbirds and Pink Army will now experience a home Grand Final thanks to the Malinauskas Labor Government who secured the rights to the match last year.
“We have no doubt South Australia will embrace this opportunity to have the world’s best netball competition and one of the nation’s biggest sporting events right here in Adelaide.
“Furthermore, plans are underway for the major $92 million redevelopment of Netball SA Stadium, and we look forward to working with the government and our community to develop a world-class facility for future generations.”
