Tauranga will host two ANZ Premiership fixtures at Mercury Baypark this season. Giving local fans the chance to see elite netball up close when the Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic take on both the Mystics and Southern Steel.
The first match sees the Avis Magic take on the Mystics for one of the most anticipated games of the season as they battle for the Hobbiton Cup on Saturday 18 April . The second game will bring the Avis Magic back to town on Saturday 9 May to verse the Southern Steel.
Centre pass against the Mystics is at 7pm, with doors opening from 4.30pm, while the game against Southern Steel will start at 4pm, doors open from 1:30pm.
These matches offer locals the chance to experience elite netball close to home. Tickets are on sale through Ticketek, with Tauranga matches traditionally selling out early due to the limited games held here.
Janette Douglas, Operations Manager of Waikato Bay of Plenty Avis Magic, says having access to high-quality sporting events locally is important for building strong connections to the game.
“When national-level sport is played in our own region, it makes the experience more accessible and inclusive,” says Janette. “It allows people of all ages to be part of something special, right here in Tauranga.”
Janette says hosting two ANZ Premiership matches delivers wider benefits for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, beyond the result on the scoreboard.
“Bringing fixtures like this to the region reinforces Tauranga’s ability to host popular events and gives the community a chance to see elite sport in action,” she says. “It also helps strengthen local pride and showcases what the region can offer.”
Live ANZ Premiership matches also play a key role in inspiring the next generation.
“Young players can see first-hand what the top level of the sport looks like, while volunteers gain insight into the roles and pathways that support elite events,” says Janette. “That exposure is really valuable for the long-term future of netball.”
The matches have been supported by the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund, a collaborative funding initiative backed by Acorn Foundation, Bay Trust, Tauranga City Council, TECT Community Trust, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
Tauranga City Council’s Head of Community Hubs, Arts, Heritage and Events Gareth Wallis says the support means the region can host top-level netball in a community that truly loves the game.
“Tauranga and the Western Bay are passionate about netball, and we know these matches will generate plenty of excitement among the netball faithful,” says Gareth. “National sporting events create moments that bring communities together, and games like this are thrilling to watch and often sell out quickly.”
“By working collaboratively through the Community Event Fund, we’re able to support events that put us on the map while delivering exciting, high-energy experiences for our community.”
Chief Executive of TECT Community Trust Wayne Werder says the Fund plays an important role in helping large-scale events such as ANZ Premiership matches become a reality for the region.
“Events of this scale require significant coordination and support to deliver successfully,” he says. “The Fund enables organisers to focus on delivering quality experiences, while supporting events that generate social connection, local pride, and drive economic activity through increased visitation, spending and regional visibility.”
Fans attending either match can expect a lively game-day atmosphere, with fan activations, entertainment and high-energy netball on display. Janette says fans can expect a full game-day experience this Saturday when the Magic and Mystics meet, with strong rivalry adding extra excitement, along with the Hobbiton Cup on the line.
“Tauranga crowds bring great energy, and both matches are shaping up to be memorable nights.”
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full game-day experience and secure tickets as soon as possible.
