Tactix Open Netball Tournament To Community With 'Choose-Your-Price' Entry

The VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix will provide near-free access to watch three elite sports teams, with the Mainland Tactix, Central Pulse, Southern Steel and the Christchurch Men’s team set to come head to head in a preseason tournament.

Running April 26 and 27, Mainland Stadium in Rangiora, North Canterbury will open its doors to 500 netball fans, just two weeks before the ANZ premiership kicks off.

Tactix general manager Kate Agnew launched the ‘Pay What You Can’ campaign, where fans choose what entry fee to pay; she was motivated to remove the financial barrier that may be stopping some fans from experiencing live, elite sport.

“As a professional sports body, we are aware of the changes in participation and support across all sports, and we have to find opportunities to make sport accessible,” Agnew said.

The Stars ran a similar scheme for their first premiership game in 2024, but there was a limited number of the cheapest tickets available.

“We want everyone to have the chance to experience netball at its best, and if we do that, then we have done our jobs…if fans are motivated to pay more than $1, the teams will greatly appreciate it too!” Agnew said.

Attendees will have the chance to watch the ANZ Premiership teams go head-to-head, with the new two-point (3.5m) super-shot on-show for the first time in South Island match play.

Tactix captain Erikana Pedersen would love to see high engagement from the netball and sporting fan-base, with the ANZAC weekend tournament expected to draw in families who may not have had the opportunity to watch netball live.

"We play netball for the love of the game and for our loyal fans, who keep us going especially during the tough on court moments. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the electric atmosphere at a Tactix game."

Match fixtures for the preseason tournament will be available on the Tactix Instagram and Facebook from Thursday April 17.

The ANZ Premiership starts Saturday May 10. The Mainland Tactix takes on the Southern Steel at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, 7pm Sunday May 11. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

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