Mackay has experienced its first taste of Suncorp Super Netball with the Queensland Firebirds and Collingwood Magpies playing a pre-season double-header. The second game is tonight (Friday 11 February), being played at the Mackay Basketball Stadium.
General Manager Queensland Firebirds and Elite Pathways, Demelza Fellowes, said the opportunity to take two pre-season matches to Mackay was a fantastic opportunity for all.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be in Mackay for these matches against the Magpies,” said Fellowes.
“Our Club proudly represents the entire state of Queensland, and we don’t get to play in front of the regional fans as much as we like, so to have this opportunity, thanks to Mackay Regional Council, is really fantastic.
“It will be our first major hit out for the pre-season, with the entire squad together, so the matches will be really important in setting up our season. It would be wonderful to have the support of the region and hopefully put on a good show in front of a packed house at Mackay Basketball Stadium.”
Lyn Law, a life member and current competitions board member of Mackay Netball Association, said the announcement had Mackay buzzing with excitement.
“To be able to watch the Queensland Firebirds take the court in our hometown, on our home court, is just so special and something the Mackay netball community has waited a very long time to have come to fruition,” Law said.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said this was a fantastic opportunity for the region and especially for young netball enthusiasts.
“The Mackay region loves its sport and netball is definitely one that is embraced by our residents,” Williamson said.
“This is another example of how our world-class facilities enable us to attract and play host to the calibre of both of these teams.”
The decision to play the pre-season matches in Mackay is a further commitment of the Queensland Firebirds to continue to grow the game of netball across the state including regional areas.
