Netball’s Constellation Cup Heading To Melbourne

After Netball WA confirmed that Perth’s RAC Arena would host a match of the Constellation Cup, Netball Victoria has followed suit by announcing that the final showdown of the series will take place on October 30 at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena.

The highly anticipated International Test Series between the Australian Diamonds and the New Zealand Silver Ferns has been creating a buzz nationwide, showcasing the increasing significance of netball in the sports arena.

Under the leadership of Victorian standout Liz Watson, the Australian Diamonds are determined to uphold their reputation and secure their twelfth Constellation Cup title. This event is anticipated to draw thousands of fans, providing a significant boost to local hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators.

The Labor Government, through Visit Victoria’s major sponsorship of the Australian Diamonds, has prioritised bringing a number of high-profile netball events to Melbourne. Last year’s Constellation Cup opener in Melbourne saw a sold-out crowd, highlighting the sport’s immense popularity. Netball boasts the highest participation rates among young women in Australia, and the Diamonds, as the top-ranked national team, serve as a powerful inspiration for thousands of women and girls at all levels of the sport.

Visit Victoria’s sponsorship extends beyond the Constellation Cup, encompassing a variety of netball events across the state. This includes last year’s sold-out Super Netball grand final, promotional destination campaigns, branding on uniforms, training camps, and community engagement initiatives.

Minister Dimopoulos emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “We’re bringing the Diamonds back to the home of netball for another massive night at John Cain Arena for the final match of the 2024 Constellation Cup. This international sporting contest will delight netball fans and help to attract visitors to Melbourne, which is a win for local businesses and jobs across the visitor economy.”

The match is a highlight in Victoria’s robust calendar of major events, which also features the NRL State of Origin, the AFL Grand Final, and Ballin ’24, with each event significantly bolstering Victoria’s $37.8 billion visitor economy.

Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements expressed pride in sponsoring the Australian Diamonds, noting, “We’re proud to sponsor the Australian Diamonds and look forward to welcoming a big crowd for this year’s Constellation Cup match alongside a packed calendar of sporting and cultural events.”

Netball Australia CEO Stacey West also shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud of our partnership with the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria and are excited to finish the series against fierce rivals New Zealand in Melbourne.”

As netball continues to capture the hearts of many, the upcoming Constellation Cup final promises to be a landmark event, reinforcing Melbourne’s status as a premier destination for major sporting spectacles.