The 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season has received an enormous boost with the Queensland Government throwing its support behind the competition which is set to start on 1 August.
The commitment will see the majority of matches, including the entire finals series, played across Nissan Arena in Brisbane, the University of the Sunshine Coast Stadium and regional Queensland.
The revised model will see all non-Queensland Suncorp Super Netball teams relocate to the south east of Queensland for part or all of the season, which will still be made up of 14 rounds and a normal finals series.
In order to ensure the wellbeing of athletes, support staff and umpires, the 2020 season will be played in a condensed format.
And in further exciting news for fans, a number of home games will also be scheduled for non-Queensland clubs based on border restrictions and the latest health advice.
The first phase of the fixture is set to be announced within the next five days.
This announcement comes as the league’s two Victorian teams, the Melbourne Vixens and Collingwood Magpies, depart for Queensland for a two-week quarantine period.
Suncorp Super Netball CEO Chris Symington said it’s exciting to have the backing of the Queensland Government for the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season.
“This support from the Queensland Government will ensure we’re able to deliver a full 60-match season of the world’s best netball to fans all over Australia and the world, so we thank them immensely for their support and for accommodating the entire league,” he said.
“With less than two weeks until the first centre pass of the season, the excitement across the league and within our fan base is palpable and we’re looking forward to getting the 2020 season underway.
“We’re also thrilled that loyal fans across the country will be rewarded with home games and the chance to see their teams live at their local stadium. These games will, however, be subject to the latest border restrictions and health advice.
“We understand the sacrifice our athletes, supports staff and umpires will be making by relocating to Queensland for an extended period of time and we will be putting the necessary structures and processes in place to ensure they are all adequately supported during this time.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said hosting the season is another way Queensland can help.
“The resumption of sport is another step back towards a normal life and we all want to see that,” she said.
“We have close to 37,000 junior players and the opportunity for them to see the best of the best playing right across the state and be inspired is incredible.”
All Suncorp Super Netball matches will be broadcast live on Nine, Telstra TV and Netball Live Official App.
