Following on from the Netball New Zealand announcement earlier today, Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty is pleased to confirm that Splice Construction Magic has been allocated three home games as part of the re-worked draw for the 2020 ANZ Premiership.

As a result of the fantastic work by New Zealand’s “team of 5 million” during the COVID-19 crisis, that meant that the country moved to Alert Level 1 with few restrictions, the ANZ Premiership has been able to follow Super Rugby Aotearoa in welcoming fans to games and having teams host home games.

The re-worked draw will see Splice Construction Magic welcome The Good Oil Mainland Tactix, Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel and Robin Hood Northern Stars, to Claudelands Arena in August. Match details are:

Sunday 2 August at 5pm
Splice Construction Magic v The Good Oil Mainland Tactix

Monday 3 August at 7pm
Splice Construction Magic v Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel

Sunday 9 August at 7pm
Splice Construction Magic v Robin Hood Northern Stars

Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty Chief Executive Officer, Rohan West, is naturally delighted, commenting “This is an incredible result for the league, the team and all our partners and supporters. Understandably, we are so happy that Splice Construction Magic will be able to play at Claudelands Arena in front of our terrific fans.”

“There’s so many people and organisations to acknowledge. Firstly, all of Aotearoa and the government for getting the country to Level 1 earlier than most of us thought likely. That allowed Netball New Zealand to approach all the teams with a plan to re-work the centralised ANZ Premiership draw, in order to give the teams home games to host. All the executive management and Boards of the teams who had to make some big calls in terms of finances and operations to host games. Finally, a massive thanks to the Claudelands Arena team, who have made the process of hosting games again so straightforward and smooth.”

“This is such a boost to the Waikato Bay of Plenty netball community and general sports fans. We’re now less than two months away from being able to watch our beloved Splice Construction Magic play at home, in a great venue and at highly attractive pricing. Tickets will go on sale shortly and will be significantly discounted compared to the prices set at the start of the year. Now we just need to fill Claudelands.”

Hamilton City Council’s General Manager of Major Events, Venues and Tourism, Sean Murray, says the Claudelands team is excited to host the Magic for three home games when live netball resumes.

“We will be welcoming back the Splice Construction Magic with open arms as they make Claudelands their home for a week in August, fans will be itching to get back to the stands after a few months off and we’re working closely with the Magic team to deliver three exceptional games. We really value the close relationship with the Magic so it’s fantastic to see them return this season”