Bellerive Oval rebranded Ninja Stadium
The home of Tasmanian cricket has been rebranded Ninja Stadium, following a four-year naming rights partnership with SharkNinja.
The 19,000-capacity Hobart venue has been known as Blundstone Arena since October 2011 – its first ever commercial name.
SharkNinja, the kitchen, home and beauty appliances company, will hold the naming rights of Bellerive Oval through until at least 2028, with an option of a fifth year.
Cricket Tasmania’s CEO Dominic Baker said, “The collaboration between Cricket Tasmania and SharkNinja, has already been of great benefit to both parties as we look to pursue female and family friendly content at Ninja Stadium ahead of this Summer of Cricket.
“We are aligned in our love, ambition, and passion for Women’s sport, and through this partnership, we will continue to see female sport in our state flourish.
“SharkNinja will also join our Hurricanes WBBL and BBL playing kit, along with their commitment to our Stadia.”
Ninja Stadium follows on from SharkNinja being named as the new naming rights partner of the A-League Women’s competition (Ninja A-League) last month, emphasising SharkNinja’s continued commitment to powering Women’s sport in Australia.
Aby Shukla, SharkNinja Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, says SharkNinja is grateful for the opportunity to grow together in partnership with Cricket Tasmania and further the game.
“Australia has been a leading light in women’s sport worldwide and we are grateful to be a part of it. At SharkNinja we believe “You can make it”. Cricket Tasmania embodies this motto too and that is what brings us together.
“Cricket Tasmania inspires many, not just within the state but well beyond. It is home to the only professional women’s team in Tasmania.
“This partnership allows us to add another chapter to an already unforgettable summer of women’s sport. The outstanding sports teams that call Bellerive Oval home are Tasmanian icons. We are fortunate to have our name associated with such a hallowed ground.”
Ninja Stadium will host its first event under its new name on October 28 when the Hobart Hurricanes host the Sydney Thunder in the opening round of the 2024/25 WBBL season, followed by Tasmania v Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield on November 1. The venue also hosts several AFL home games for North Melbourne each season.
