Vixens unveil ‘Ballarat Blitz’ pre-season details

The Melbourne Vixens have revealed the details of their blockbuster pre-season weekend, the Ballarat Blitz, set to take over the regional Victorian hub from 16-17 March.

The Vixens will host reigning Suncorp Super Netball premiers the Adelaide Thunderbirds alongside GIANTS Netball and West Coast Fever at Ballarat’s Selkirk Stadium on Wadawurrung Country, with the support of the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government.

In their two pre-season clashes, the host side will take on the Fever at 5pm on Saturday 16 March and the Thunderbirds at 1pm on Sunday 17 March.

The GIANTS and Thunderbirds will face off in the earlier match from 3pm on Saturday with GIANTS and Fever opening Sunday’s proceedings from 11am.

The Victorian Men’s League will also play a curtain raiser on Saturday, ensuring local fans and those travelling from across the state will witness an action-packed weekend of elite netball start to finish.

Tickets will go on sale to 2024 Vixens members next Wednesday 17 January, and to the general public on Thursday 18 January.

Not limited to on-court action, the Ballarat Blitz will also see Netball Victoria deliver a series of community events in the region including netball clinics, school visits, and coaching and umpiring activities.

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said:

“The Ballarat region is a stronghold for our sport, full of passionate netball participants both on and off the court. We can’t wait to get out into the community with our world-class athletes and bring a festival of elite netball to the region in March.”

“We’re pleased to have three Super Netball teams from across the country joining us in Ballarat, and we look forward to working with the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government to showcase what regional Victoria has to offer.”

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said:

“The City of Ballarat is proud to have worked with Netball Victoria and the Victorian Government to secure the hosting of the Ballarat Blitz, which will not only showcase some top-notch netball action but also provide an opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy a range of exciting community events hosted by the Melbourne Vixens.”

“I can't wait to see our community come alive with netball fever during March. It's a fantastic opportunity for our city to shine and for everyone to enjoy the sport, community events, and the vibrant atmosphere that Ballarat has to offer. Make sure to grab your tickets when they go on sale, and let's show our support for this incredible event.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said:

“It’s so exciting to welcome elite women’s sport to Ballarat as four of Australia’s best netball teams take centre stage in the Ballarat Blitz for a weekend of top sporting action showcasing the very best of our great city.”

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle said:

“We can’t wait to welcome passionate netball fans from all over Victoria and across Australia to Ballarat in March to provide a welcome boost for businesses across our town. There will be so much to see and do while fans are here for top-level netball, it will be an exciting weekend for everyone.”

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said:

“Our region can host events of any size and Ballarat’s Selkirk Stadium will provide the ideal venue to welcome four Super Netball teams from across Australia, with elite facilities for players and a fun, family-friendly environment for fans of all ages.”

Visit melbournevixens.com.au for event schedule and ticket sale details.