Top-flight netball is returning to the south with the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel scheduled to play two home games at ILT Stadium Southland in August. 

Originally, all ANZ Premiership Netball games were scheduled to be played at Auckland Netball Centre but with the relaxing of government restrictions in Alert Level one, Netball NZ decided to include home matches around the country from July 30, during the second half of the season.

Netball NZ Head of Events and International Kate Agnew said it had been a logistical challenge to ensure teams could allow their fans to see live netball, but the payoff was worth it.

“We understand that playing in front of home fans is a huge part of the game and we know how important it is for the ANZ Premiership teams to have that opportunity.”

The two home games are a big win for ILT Stadium, which lost around 70% of its events after COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings came into place. 

ILT Stadium manager Nigel Skelt said being able to host the Southern Steel again this season was wonderful news.

"We're thrilled to have franchised sport back in the venue, the [Southern] Steel are a major part of our stadium family and to have two home games is incredibly exciting."

He said the challenge now was to make sure every seat for each game was full to replicate the success that Super Rugby had seen in tickets sales this season. 

Mr Skelt said tickets would go on sale around mid-July and would be available to purchase from the ILT Stadium.

Southern Steel home games at ILT Stadium Southland:

• Friday, 7th August: Southern Steel v Northern Mystics (The match begins at 7pm).
• Saturday, 8th August: Southern Steel v Central Pulse (The match begins at 5pm).

All games of the ANZ Premiership season are also broadcast live on Sky Sport 3.