The GIANTS to make first trip to Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga has asserted its reputation for attracting top level sporting events, with an elite level netball pre-season gameto be played in early March.

The GIANTS will visit the Riverina as part of their 2024 pre-season activities.

The three-day trip, set for the first weekend in March, will mark the first time the club has visited the region, with exhibition matches set to be played in both Wagga Wagga and Griffith.

The history-making visit to the region will be further enhanced with the GIANTS set to host Suncorp Super Netball’s newest team, the Melbourne Mavericks for the first time.

The Wagga Wagga Multi-Purpose Stadium will host the first of the two matches on the evening on Friday 1 March.

Both teams will be eager for the on-court opportunity as they prepare for the 2024 season, beginning on April 13.

GIANTS Netball Executive General Manager, Tim Underwood, said the club is looking forward to visiting the region.

“After an overwhelming reception when Julie [Fitzgerald] and Maddie [Hay] visited last year for the opening of the Griffith Regional Sports Centre we knew we had to come back and play,” said Mr Underwood.

“We’ve never played a game in the Riverina region before but it’s home to a passionate netball community and we can’t wait to partner with the Griffith Netball Association, Griffith City Council and Wagga Wagga City Council to deliver a fantastic GIANTS Netball game day experience.

“As a club built upon a community ethos, any opportunity we get to take our game beyond metropolitan Sydney we embrace. There will be multiple chances to meet and interact with our GIANTS players and coaching staff, as well as the opportunity to get a first look at our new-look team that will represent us in the upcoming Suncorp Super Netball season.”

“We hope all members of the Wagga Wagga and Griffith communities can join us for what is sure to be a great weekend.”

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout is thrilled the city has been able to secure one of the pre-season games.

“Being able to draw this caliber if competition to our city reflects our ability to host this level of sporting competition, as we’ve seen through our partnerships with the Canberra Raiders, ACT Brumbies and NSW Touch Association,” Cr Tout said.

“This will be an exciting opportunity for residents of Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas to see elite Australian netballers in action in our own back yard, so to speak.

“Whether you’re a die-hard GIANTS Netball fan, play the game yourself, or just love watching elite sports, the MPS will be the place to be when the game rolls into town.

“There is also the potential to meet some of the team through community engagement activities, which may include things like a skills clinic for local netballers, school and shopping centre visits.”

Tickets for the match in Wagga Wagga will go on sale on Monday 5 February. For more information visit the GIANTS website: giantsnetball.com.au