Diamonds to face South Africa in Bendigo blockbuster

THE Australian Diamonds netball team will take on South Africa at Red Energy Arena in October thanks to a new partnership between the State Government and Netball Australia.

The game is expected to attract thousands of fans from across the state on the last weekend of the school holidays.

The Diamonds have never lost in Bendigo, playing in front of a sold out crowd to claim the England series last year.

More than 60 per cent of those attendees were visitors from outside the region, resulting in 1774 hotel nights booked and contributing around $1 million to the Bendigo economy.

The Bendigo match will be shown live and free across North America and Africa.

The Government’s sponsorship will also provide several other netball events across the state, with this year’s Super Netball premiership decider to be played at Rod Laver Arena in August.

Community benefits will be delivered as well through ambassadorships, community engagement initiatives and training camps – including a high-performance camp for the Diamonds in Bendigo in September.

Diamonds Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich said it’s great to return to Bendigo, “where the passion and enthusiasm of the local community create an incredible atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said hosting the world’s best netballers will “boost local businesses and inspire the next generation of netball stars across our region.”

The Australian Diamonds versus the South Africa Proteas takes place on Saturday 4 October at Red Energy Arena.

Tickets go on sale on 21 August via Ticketek.