The spotlight will be on grassroots netball at the Southern Steel’s final home game of the regular season on Saturday.
While the Steel has cemented its place in the ANZ Premiership elimination final against the Tactix on August 1, just where the crucial game will be played is still undecided.
The southerners must beat the Pulse at Stadium Southland to be in with a chance to host finals netball on their home court.
It will not be the only action on court.
As part of the community celebration round, the Ascot Park Hotel-sponsored Steel event will applaud local netball clubs.
Steel marketing manager Carla O’Meara said the franchise was excited to highlight the sport’s amateur ranks on the national stage.
“Our netball clubs are the foundation upon which the Steel franchise is built on — they support the top echelon by nurturing our future Steel players and play a vital role in developing passion for our sport across all levels,” she said.
Nominated clubs Limehills, Otautau, Rata, St Mary’s and Winton will be vying to boost their coffers with $1000 available, along with a trophy for the club that can gain the most points during a halftime competition.
Participating teams will receive netballs and a coaching session for a club team or group of their choice.
Steel fans can participate in crowd voting for the best-dressed team and for best club supporters.
“We’re encouraging their club netballers to wear their colours with pride,” O’Meara said.
The first 1000 fans through the doors will also be given a token to vote for their favourite netball club from 18 pre-registered to receive a share of another $1000 prize.
A bumper crowd is expected, and the upper stands of the stadium are being opened for a regular-season game for the first time since 2016.
