Melbourne Vixens to launch 2024 pre-season with Ballarat Blitz

The Melbourne Vixens and Netball Victoria are heading west to Ballarat this pre-season, bringing a blockbuster weekend of netball activity to the region from 16-17 March.

Ahead of the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season, the Vixens will host three SSN sides – to be revealed in January – at Ballarat’s Selkirk Stadium on Wadawurrung Country thanks to the support of the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government.

Fans will have plenty of opportunities to see their netball idols in action with two matches on each of Saturday and Sunday; the Vixens are set to hit the court twice and a Victorian Men’s League curtain raiser will showcase the exciting talent in our men’s pathway.

The action will also extend off-court – Netball Victoria will deliver a series of community activities across the weekend to help bring our game to the next generation of Victorian netballers, giving local participants and fans the chance to meet some of their favourite Vixens athletes.

Aspiring and established umpires and coaches in the region will also have the opportunity to engage in development activities across the weekend.

The two pre-season matches will play a key role in the Vixens’ preparation ahead of Round 1, when they’ll take on new neighbours and cross-town rivals the Melbourne Mavericks. The inaugural derby will take place at John Cain Arena on Sunday 14 April.

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said:

“We know how passionate our netball community is across regional Victoria, and we’re excited to be partnering with the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government to bring elite netball to Ballarat in 2024.”

“This event will be a great opportunity introduce our new Melbourne Vixens lineup to fans across the state, enable our athletes to engage with our Victorian netball community, and compete against quality opposition in front of a packed Selkirk Stadium.”

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said:

“Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat Sports Events Centre is not only a terrific community facility for a range of local indoors sports, it also enables our city to attract a range of events at the highest level which will have a significant impact on our local economy.”

“We are delighted to welcome the Melbourne Vixens and their Suncorp Super Netball rivals in March. Not only will it see thousands of fans flock to Ballarat, benefitting our accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors, but it will give the region’s youngsters the opportunity to meet some of their national netball heroes and provide plenty of inspiration.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said he’s excited to announce the Vixens will be heading to Ballarat for an exciting weekend of netball, bringing more elite sport to the region.

“Super Netball is the highest level of netball in Australia and the Ballarat Sports Events Centre will provide the ideal venue for locals to cheer on Victoria’s top netballers while showcase players and fans to this beautiful part of our state.”

“We're proud to support this pre-season festival as it joins the blockbuster events calendar in Ballarat, boosting visitors and local businesses across the region.”

The Ballarat Blitz event schedule and ticket sale details will be announced in January.