Netball SA Stadium is the premier netball stadium in South Africa. As the home of the South African national netball team, the Proteas, and a number of domestic netball clubs, Netball SA Stadium is an important venue in South African sport.
Quick Answer
The total capacity of Netball SA Stadium is 5,000 spectators. This allows the stadium to host major domestic and international netball matches.
Stadium Details
Netball SA Stadium is located in Pretoria, South Africa. Construction on the stadium began in 2015 and was completed in 2017. The total construction cost for the stadium was 90 million Rand. The stadium was purpose-built to host netball and features an indoor court with seating for 5,000 fans. There is also office space, changing rooms, medical facilities, and other amenities to support netball matches.
Here are some key facts about Netball SA Stadium:
- Opened: 2017
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Owner: Netball South Africa
- Operator: Netball South Africa
- Construction cost: 90 million Rand
- Architect: local South African firm
- Total capacity: 5,000 spectators
- Field size: International standard netball court
- Tenants: South Africa national netball team, various club teams
The stadium was built with the intention of developing netball in South Africa and providing a world-class facility for the national team. By investing in infrastructure like Netball SA Stadium, netball administrators hoped to grow the sport domestically and improve the national team’s performance at events like the Netball World Cup.
Stadium Capacity Details
Netball SA Stadium has a total capacity of 5,000 spectators. This allows it to host most major domestic netball matches. For some high-demand matches, additional temporary seating can be installed to boost the capacity.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the Netball SA Stadium seating capacity:
Section | Number of Seats |
---|---|
Lower tier permanent seats | 2,000 |
Upper tier permanent seats | 2,000 |
Executive boxes | 36 |
Wheelchair spaces | 16 |
Total permanent capacity | 5,000 |
This seating breakdown allows Netball SA Stadium to accommodate both general admission ticket holders as well as some premium spectators in executive boxes. The wheelchair spaces ensure accessibility for disabled spectators.
For major tournaments like the Netball World Cup, additional temporary seating can be installed to boost the stadium’s capacity to 8,000 or more. But the standard permanent capacity for domestic matches is 5,000 spectators.
Notable Matches
Since opening in 2017, Netball SA Stadium has hosted a number of major netball matches:
- 2017 – South Africa vs New Zealand International Friendly
- 2018 – South African National Netball Championships
- 2019 – South Africa vs England International Test Series
- 2020 – South Africa vs Australia International Test
- 2021 – South Africa National Team test matches
These matches have included Premier League netball competitions as well as preparation matches for the South African national squad. The stadium will be a key venue as South Africa prepares to host the 2023 Netball World Cup.
South Africa National Team
Netball SA Stadium serves as the home ground for the South African national netball team. The stadium has hosted numerous test matches and friendlies for the national side since opening. Players often comment on the world-class facilities and how the stadium helps them perform at their best.
Some key national team matches at Netball SA Stadium include:
- 2017 – South Africa vs England (International Test)
- 2018 – South Africa vs New Zealand (International Test)
- 2019 – South Africa vs Jamaica (International Friendly)
- 2019 – South Africa vs Australia (International Test Series)
The national team will play many more important matches at the stadium as 2023 World Cup preparations intensify.
Domestic Club Matches
In addition to international test matches, Netball SA Stadium also hosts Premier League netball. The top domestic netball clubs in South Africa play many of their home matches at the stadium.
Some notable domestic club matches at the stadium include:
- Gauteng Jaguars vs Western Cape Storm (2018 Premier League Finals)
- Tshwane Spartans vs Kingdom Stars (2019 Premier League)
- Gauteng Jaguars vs Cape Town Diamonds (2020 Premier League)
- Kingdom Stars vs Free State Crinums (2021 Premier League)
The Premier League nets strong attendance, especially for local derbies between teams like Gauteng Jaguars and Tshwane Spartans. These matches showcase the high level of domestic netball in South Africa.
2023 Netball World Cup
In July 2023, Netball SA Stadium will play host to the 2023 Netball World Cup. This will be the first time South Africa hosts the premier international netball tournament.
For the World Cup, the stadium’s capacity will be boosted to approximately 8,000 spectators by installing temporary seating. This will allow more fans to experience the excitement of World Cup matches live.
South Africa qualified automatically as host nation and hopes to medal at the 2023 event. The home crowd at Netball SA Stadium could give the national team an important boost versus top rivals like Australia and New Zealand.
Hosting the World Cup will also help promote netball’s growth in South Africa. Young fans will be inspired by seeing the world’s best netballers competing at Netball SA Stadium.
Refurbishment Plans
To prepare for the 2023 Netball World Cup, Netball South Africa has major refurbishment plans for the stadium. Upgrades will include:
- Installing new LED stadium lights
- Upgrading the sound system
- Adding new HD video screens
- Improving wifi connectivity for fans
- Installing new World Cup branding
These upgrades will enhance the spectator experience and presentation of matches at Netball SA Stadium. Total refurbishment costs are estimated at 15 million Rand before the World Cup.
Transportation and Access
Netball SA Stadium enjoys good transportation links and access being located in Pretoria. Here are some key details about getting to the stadium:
- Located 10km from central Pretoria
- Adjacent to the N4 Highway
- Within 4km of 3 train stations
- Regular bus shuttle on match days
- 1,000 parking spaces onsite
These transportation options make Netball SA Stadium accessible for both local and visiting spectators. The nearby highway and train stations allow easy access from across Pretoria and Johannesburg.
On match days, extra bus shuttles run from the stadium to surrounding parking areas and train stations. This helps manage the traffic around the 5,000 capacity venue.
Parking
Netball SA Stadium has 1,000 parking spaces available onsite for spectators. This includes:
- 500 standard parking spaces
- 100 accessible parking spaces
- 400 VIP/premium parking spaces
With 1,000 total spaces, most spectators travelling by car can find parking at the stadium. Overflow parking is available nearby and shuttled to the stadium for sold out events.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is an easy option for getting Netball SA Stadium on match days. Nearby train stations include:
- Pretoria Station – 4km away
- Saulsville Station – 3km away
- Koedoespoort Station – 2km away
Special match day shuttles run frequently from these stations to the stadium. Regular buses and taxis also serve the stadium from central Pretoria.
Ticketing and Attendance
As the premier netball venue in South Africa, Netball SA Stadium has hosted good crowds since opening in 2017. While the capacity is 5,000, average attendance ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 per match.
Here are some key ticketing and attendance notes:
- Average attendance is 3,000 spectators
- Ticket prices range from 50 to 300 Rand
- 80% of tickets sold online
- Sell out crowds for international tests and derbies
Top level netball featuring the South African national team routinely sells out Netball SA Stadium. Premier League derbies between local rivals also sell well at the 5,000 capacity venue.
World Cup Ticketing
Ticketing details for the 2023 Netball World Cup are not yet finalized. But as hosts, South Africa hope to achieve strong attendance for World Cup matches at Netball SA Stadium.
With temporary seating boosting capacity to 8,000, most pool matches should attract good crowds. Knockout stage matches featuring South Africa could potentially sell out.
Ticket prices may be adjusted slightly higher for the World Cup, but still affordable for most local fans. The organizing committee aims to balance revenue goals with accessibility for South African netball supporters.
Conclusion
Netball SA Stadium is a world-class facility purpose-built for netball. With a capacity of 5,000 spectators, it can host all major domestic matches and most international tests.
The stadium has already hosted top national team matches and Premier League club games since opening in 2017. It will gain its biggest spotlight hosting the 2023 Netball World Cup.
With convenient transportation options, modern amenities, and good attendance, Netball SA Stadium has already become an iconic venue. It represents a strong investment in the future growth of South African netball.