AVIS Magic will bring a little bit of Middle-earth to their 2024 ANZ Premiership season opener with the fifth annual Hobbiton Movie Set Cup up for grabs. 

The match-day partnership between the Magic and Hobbiton Movie Set will extend into its fifth year when the Magic meet the Mystics at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands in Hamilton on 13 April. 

The Hobbiton Cup, which is currently held by the Mystics, adds something special to the Premiership calendar and Magic General Manager Justine Dixon said it was an event they always looked forward to and they valued the ongoing support with Hobbiton Movie Set. 

“This is an event that is a highlight for everyone involved and unique to the Magic, and our partnership with Hobbiton has been an important part of our recent netball history,” she said. 

“The Hobbiton Movie Set is one of New Zealand’s most popular international tourist attractions and iconic to our region.  To be able to open our 2024 season with the Hobbiton Cup against the Mystics sets us up well for our campaign ahead and will certainly create a buzz for our fans who come to support us.” 

A slice of The Shire will be at GLOBOX Arena and the Magic will be wearing a Hobbiton themed dress for their season opener – the dress to provide a visible connection they have with what is one of the region’s local icons. 

Shayne Forrest, the General Manager of Tourism of the Hobbiton Movie Set, said they were thrilled to be able to continue their support of netball with the Magic and excited to see the season open with the special Hobbiton Cup. 

“This is a relationship which has been forged from an amazing region and community, and to be able to bring a little of the Middle-earth flavour into the opening round of the ANZ Premiership will be something to remember,” he said. 

“We’ve been able to build a special connection with the Magic players and wider family over five years and the Hobbiton Movie Set Cup has certainly provided plenty of fun and a little magic in that time.”