Melbourne Mavericks Take Super Netball Opener to Bendigo

The newly formed Melbourne Mavericks Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) team has confirmed its commitment to regional Victoria by announcing the on-sale dates for its historic Round 1 clash against the Giants in Bendigo.

Scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, the landmark event, facilitated by major partners Visit Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo, is a commercially calculated move to build a deep, dedicated regional membership base from the outset of the franchise.

Highlighting the clear strategic why for the regional investment, CEO of SEN Teams, Richard Simkiss, said:  “Bringing the first-ever in-season SSN game to Bendigo is a proud moment for the Melbourne Mavericks and for the wider organisation.” 

“We’re thrilled to give regional fans the opportunity to experience the excitement and intensity of elite netball right in their backyard, and we’re thankful to partners like Visit Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo for making opportunities like this possible for our regional fans,” Simkiss said.

The move to stage an official in-season match at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena is an aggressive regional engagement program.

Recognising that regional audiences represent a crucial, underserved market, the organisation, has launched a specific “Bendigo Member” category. This membership provides discounted tickets and merchandise, a members-only post-match event, and a 24-hour exclusive pre-sale window beginning Sunday, December 7, aiming to convert local fans into high-value, long-term brand loyalists.

For the key commercial partners, the investment guarantees high-profile regional activation.

The City of Greater Bendigo and Visit Victoria secure a major sporting event—an exciting major event to add to their 2026 calendar, driving tourism and local economic stimulus by drawing in spectators and media attention.

This mutually beneficial arrangement helps justify public funding for the match and reinforces the recognisable community value of the Mavericks franchise.

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