North Queensland residents will get a unique opportunity to get up close to the entire Queensland Firebirds squad when the Suncorp Super Netball stars visit Mackay this November.
The pre-season trip will include the Suncorp Spirit Cup clash against the Sunshine Coast Lightning at the Mackay Multisport Stadium on Saturday, November 26.
In a historic first, the Firebirds’ trip kicks off on Friday, November 25 with a special evening with the club’s entire Suncorp Super Netball squad at Souths Mackay Rugby Club.
The event will feature an introduction to new Firebirds Head Coach Bec Bulley and interviews with members of the 2023 Queensland Firebirds squad.
Attendees will also get an opportunity to meet with players and coaches after the event – something that has not happened with the Firebirds outside their annual gala function.
The fun continues on Saturday, November 26 when the Firebirds host a clinic at Mackay Netball Association in the morning before taking on Queensland Suncorp Super Netball rivals in the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup match that evening.
This exciting and unique opportunity for north Queensland residents to get up close and personal to one of the state’s leading professional sporting organisations has been promoted and facilitated by Mackay Regional Council.
“This trip to Mackay provides a unique opportunity for some of our most passionate and loyal members of the netball community to have an exclusive chance to connect with our elite teams,” Netball Queensland CEO Kate Davies said.
“Growing our great game across the whole state of Queensland is a key objective for us.
“I would encourage anyone interested across the region to book their ticket and be a part of this historic opportunity.”
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said council was a proud supporter of events thanks to their Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction program.
“We have a strong focus on events and tourism development in the region and recognise the benefits that events like the Suncorp Spirit Cup have on the region’s economy and liveability,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our region, and we can’t wait to welcome the Queensland Firebirds to Mackay.
“Mackay is well-known for growing and developing a large number of sporting icons and heroes and hosting this calibre of professional netballers in front of our young and emerging athletes is absolutely fantastic for our community.”
Suncorp Executive General Manager of Brand and Marketing Mim Haysom said Suncorp was excited to be supporting both Queensland based Suncorp Super Netball teams to bring live netball to Mackay.
“Suncorp is proud to work with both the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning to bring netball to a region that doesn’t usually get to see players at the elite level live in action,” Haysom said.
“The Suncorp Spirit Cup celebrates our commitment to supporting netball in our home state of Queensland.”
Tickets for Friday’s special evening event and Saturday morning’s clinic go on sale on Wednesday, October 12 at 6pm AEST.
