Netball Tasmania plans to install more portable seating at the Silverdome next Test match to better cope with the overwhelming high demand for tickets.
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In unprecedented scenes for the sport in Australia, all of the stadium’s 3215 public tickets for the Constellation Cup clash on October 12 sold out in under five minutes.
Netball Tasmania chief executive Julia Phillips said the response has all but convinced Netball Australia officials that Launceston should continue to remain on the Test-playing map.
“Everyone involved was very impressed with the stadium itself,” Phillips said.
“I think looking into the future, the next challenge is to have a look at and it might be possible to increase the spectator seating.
“We realise that less than 3,500 seats that were made available for the Diamonds’ game was more than what is generally available.
“But if we are willing to make this a regular event, more high-profile games at the Silverdome, it would be very advantageous if we could look at having additional seating.”
The lack of tickets that were available to willing buyers was further exacerbated on the night when numerous empty seats were spotted among the portable stands.
But “logistically speaking”, Phillips said the Silverdome could still hold around 5,000 spectators, a fact promoted on the cycling-purpose built venue’s website.
Netball Tasmania believed return Tests not involving the popular Silver Ferns would ensure all who wanted a ticket won’t miss out.
“So this was the top two teams in the world and we know this isn’t going to happen every year,” Phillips said.
“But we are looking at having international netball every year now, but just not necessarily Australia versus New Zealand every year.
“We have also been talking to Wales and Scotland again; they are both keen to come back in 2018.
“So the Silverdome will obviously be important there and we’ve had conversations with Launceston City council about their major events strategy, which is has been endorsed by the councillors and that’s a key for us.”
Netball Tasmania remain tight-lipped over next year’s Test schedule, but are confident that after waiting 27 years to play host to Test netball – and three decades for New Zealand to return to Launceston – that a 2017 Test is on the drawing board.
“We certainly hope so, but we are waiting to hear back from the state government over a couple of proposals,” Phillips said. “Until we hear back from the government, we can’t say anything.
“While we’ve nailed 2018 already, we are just waiting for confirmation for 2017.”
Phillips has also revealed that she was caught unaware from startling feedback.
“The conversation from the Diamonds athletes that the Silverdome floor is one of the best in the world they have played on, which I think is a fabulous testament to Tasmania,” she said.
Wales had made similar comments in pre-2015 World Cup matches after a warm-up clash shifted from Hobart in farcical circumstances.
We have also been talking to Wales and Scotland again.
- Netball Tasmania chief executive Julia Phillips