Unprecedented Demand Leads to Rehousing of Wales International Test.

In a trailblazing first for Welsh netball, the historic Wales fixtures against world number two the Silver Ferns in February 2017, have been rehoused to the Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff.

The move comes as a result of an unprecedented demand for tickets after selling out in 48 hours at the Sport Wales National Centre.  For the very first time, the impressive 3,000 capacity Arena will play host to elite netball.

“Changing the venue was a big decision for us [Welsh Netball], however the incredible demand and interest in tickets for these fixtures heavily influenced the decision,” says Welsh Netball Chief Executive Sarah Jones.

“Moving to the Ice Arena Wales via our emerging partnership with Cardiff Devils has enabled us to give netball a huge platform in Wales and worldwide, which it rightly deserves.

“This test series was historic in the first instance just by bringing the Silver Ferns to the Capital City for the first time in 20 years. By moving the venue, we are not only listening to our members and fans, we are bringing netball to a whole new audience that may otherwise have not been able to experience this momentous occasion.

“The women’s sport agenda is a high priority for Wales and the UK, and is firmly a key focus for Sport Wales,” states Jones.

“This is a vital platform for Welsh Netball to inspire the next generation of elite players, but more importantly to inspire women and girls everywhere to play netball in their communities for fun, health and social benefits.

“Whilst this is an international test with ranking points all to play for, this is about connecting Elite to Community – offering a unique experience to ‘get up close and personal’ with the Wales and New Zealand players.

“This is an opportunity to grow the game and inspire success.”

As well as a move to a venue with over double the capacity, Welsh Netball have secured live broadcast of both games to supporters in New Zealand, and multi-platform coverage to a worldwide audience.  The fixtures will be available to watch on the BBC’s online platforms and the BBC Red Button.  A highlights programme will be shown on S4C the following Sunday, 12 February.

Sarah Jones describes the global media coverage as, “significant to the sport as a whole, not just for us here in Wales.”

Silver Ferns will arrive at the capital city on Sunday, 5 February, following their campaign at the netball Quad Series against hosts England, Australia, and South Africa.  Silver Ferns will then meet Wales’ national netball team on 7 and 8 February at 7.30pm.  Tickets will go on sale at tiered prices at 10am on Tuesday 17 January.

“We look forward to seeing large numbers taking full advantage of this unique event, that will be unlike any other netball event ever staged in Wales,” adds Sarah Jones.

 

In a trailblazing first for women’s sport, the historic Wales netball fixtures against world number two the Silver Ferns in February 2017, have been rehoused at Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff.

The move comes as a result of an unprecedented demand for tickets after a full house sell-out in just over 48 hours at the Sport Wales Centre.  For the very first time, the impressive 3,000 capacity Arena will play host to elite netball at a global level.

“We are absolutely ecstatic to host this historic event at the Ice Arena, as netball giants the Silver Ferns return to Wales since their last visit two decades ago,” says Welsh Netball Chief Executive Sarah Jones.

“The move to a larger venue is reflection for the demand for the sport, and a monumental step for women’s sport here in the UK.

“Both the evening matches will deliver an exhilarating experience for the whole family, with the same thrilling, patriotic atmosphere you would find at any Wales sporting event.

“We have had incredible support from the netball community and outside it, and we can’t wait to showcase elite netball to the whole nation on this much-deserved grand stage.”

The Ice Arena Wales is home to Cardiff-based ice hockey team Cardiff Devils, with whom the National Governing Body of netball in Wales are working closely to deliver the event.  The ice arena will require a specially built floor to cover the ice, which will be provided by the NEC, Birmingham.  This flooring was used at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, and will be used during the Quad Series at the SSE Arena prior to the Welsh test series.  Said floor will be transported to Cardiff and placed ready for the much-anticipated feathers v Ferns clash.

Silver Ferns will arrive at the capital city on Sunday the 5^th of February, following their campaign at the netball Quad Series against hosts England, Australia, and South Africa.  Silver Ferns will then meet Wales’s national netball team on 7 and 8 February at 7.30pm.  Tickets will go on sale at tiered prices at 10am on Tuesday 17 January, via Ticketline’s website.

Welsh Netball will also be hosting events for the netball community on the 6^th of February at the Ice Arena Wales.  Fans of all ages will be able to meet and interact with their heroes from Wales and Silver Ferns, as well as learn a few top tips from the players during arranged masterclasses.

“With such hype around the event, we wanted to ensure that we showcase the talent and wonderful people we have at grassroots level,” says Sarah Jones.

“Welsh Netball values its members and workforce, and to show our gratitude we will be hosting fun and exciting activities alongside the netball stars the day before the test series commences.

“We hope to see large numbers taking full advantage of this unique occasion, and relishing

The New Zealand legends remain unbeaten by Wales, who first met on court in 1963 at the first ever World Netball Tournament held in Eastbourne, England.  Their first visit to Wales was in 1982, and the second and last time they made the journey was in 1997.