Perth will host the Super Netball League grand final at RAC Arena next month after the event was reportedly sold to the highest bidder.
The state government revealed it would be hosting the grand final event at RAC Arena on Sunday July 3 in a statement this afternoon.
Securing the sporting event means Western Australia would host regardless of where WA’s West Coast Fever places in the coming weeks. They are currently second on the ladder behind the Melbourne Vixens.
The decision by Netball Australia to change the event to a predetermined venue each year, as opposed to being decided by the highest ranking team after the semi-final, has drawn criticism from some fans.
“Under the new format, the League will predetermine the Grand Final venue ahead of each season, with the announcement to be released with the fixture,” Super Netball said in a statement.
It’s also the first time that prize money will be allocated for the winning teams, with $100,000 for the winning team and $25,000 for second place.
Australian Netball Players Association Joanna Weston said the body would make a full statement shortly.
“ANPA is aware of information circulating aoub tthe hosting arrangements for the Grand Final,” the intitial statement read.
“We expect to be in a position to make a full statement shortly.”
In addition to hosting the Super Netball League the Australian Diamonds will be based in Perth in July for training ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Tourism Minister Roger Cook said the state government was proud to support the event.
“The big sporting hits just keep on coming for WA,” the minister said.
“We’ve got the State of Origin on June 26, the Wallabies against England on July 2, the Suncorp Super Netball League Grand Final on July 3 and then the English Premier League blockbuster double header on July 22 and 23.”
