In a victory for Victoria's stellar spring events calendar, the Allan Labor Government has secured another world-class sporting rivalry - with the 2025 Constellation Cup International Test Series opener to be played in Melbourne.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Event Steve Dimopoulos today announced the Australian Diamonds and New Zealand Silver Ferns will go head-to-head at John Cain Arena on Friday, 17 October - with the Diamonds seeking to bring the revered trophy back to Australian soil.
Enticing thousands of visitors from around the country and across the Tasman, last year's Constellation Cup final attracted a crowd of 9,010 to John Cain Arena. Close to a third of those attendees travelled from interstate or overseas, generating an economic impact of more than $2.24 million to Victoria.
The test match has been secured through Visit Victoria's major sponsorship of the Australian Diamonds, which will also deliver a Super Netball Grand Final at Rod Laver Arena in August, with record-breaking crowds expected.
Netball is the biggest team sport in Australia and the number one participation sport for girls - the Labor Government is proud to back the Diamonds, who are an inspiration for women and girls world-wide.
New Zealand is a key tourism target for Victoria, with 339,700 visitors travelling across the Tasman in the year ending December 2024.
International markets offer a major growth opportunity for the visitor economy, with expenditure at $9 billion - up 41.4 per cent compared to last year.
This global focus has contributed to a record-breaking overall tourism spend of $40 billion in 2024.
The Constellation Cup opener is part of a blockbuster pipeline of major events in Victoria, which includes the Frida Kahlo exhibition in Bendigo, the LEGO® Star Wars Exhibition at the Melbourne Museum and the British and Irish Lions tour.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"This international netball contest is yet another feather in Melbourne's brimming cap."
"Our major events calendar is the best and most diverse in the country, drawing people from around Australia and the world, and supporting thousands of jobs."
As stated by Netball Australia CEO Stacey West
"The Constellation Cup rivalry is unlike any other and this year's series is sure to be unforgettable. Melbourne's rich sporting history makes it the perfect first stop for this year's Constellation Cup and we know our netball fans will pack out the John Cain Arena stands for a thrilling series opener."
