Ballarat Blitz returns in February 2027

The Melbourne Vixens and Netball Victoria are set to host two days of pre-season Super Netball action in Ballarat on 20 and 21 February 2027, with the return of the Ballarat Blitz, one of the biggest netball events in Victoria.

The fourth annual Ballarat Blitz will bring the Melbourne Vixens, Adelaide Thunderbirds, Sydney Sirens and West Coast Fever to Ballarat for a blockbuster weekend of netball on Wadawurrung Country.

Saturday’s program will feature a Grand Final rematch between the Melbourne Vixens and reigning Super Netball champions, the Adelaide Thunderbirds, giving fans the opportunity to see some of the competition’s best players in action ahead of the new season.

2027 Ballarat Blitz match schedule
Venue: Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat (Wadawurrung Country)

Saturday 20 February
3pm: Sydney Sirens v West Coast Fever
5.15pm: Melbourne Vixens v Adelaide Thunderbirds

Sunday 21 February
11am: West Coast Fever v Adelaide Thunderbirds
1.15pm: Melbourne Vixens v Sydney Sirens

Tickets for the 2027 Ballarat Blitz are going on sale in early December.

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said, “We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Ballarat Blitz for a fourth year in 2027, building on the event’s incredible success and our strong partnership with the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government to bring elite netball to regional Victoria.”

“Almost half of Victoria’s netball participants are based in regional communities, and the Ballarat Blitz is a fantastic opportunity to bring the world’s best players to regional fans.”

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Melbourne Vixens back to the city for the Ballarat Blitz in what promises to be an exciting showcase of elite netball.”

The 2026 Ballarat Blitz drew nearly 6,000 fans to Ballarat and a broadcast audience of more than 120,000, highlighting the event’s ability to attract visitors, showcase regional Victoria and support local businesses.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said, “When netball competitions like the Ballarat Blitz come to regional towns, they bring players, families and supporters together, creating a great atmosphere and giving local hotels, cafés and shops a welcome boost.”

Delivered in partnership with the City of Ballarat and supported by the Victorian Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program, the Ballarat Blitz continues to bring elite sport closer to regional communities, creating local economic opportunities and allowing fans to experience professional netball close to home.

Selkirk Stadium upgrades complete

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced that significant upgrades to the Ballarat Sports Events Centre, known as Selkirk Stadium, are now complete, enhancing the venue’s ability to host major sporting events and provide improved facilities for athletes, spectators and the local community.

Minister Spence said, “We know how much sport means to Victorians – that’s why we’re upgrading regional venues and securing world-class events.”

Delivered through the Victorian Government’s Regional Sport Infrastructure Program, the upgrades include:

• new electrical heating and cooling
• a show court lighting boom
• electronic scoreboard improvements
• expanded CCTV coverage
• enhanced broadcast infrastructure
• additional wall- and roof-mounted speakers
• swipe card access control

Accessibility improvements have also been completed, including an updated kitchen, larger wayfinding signage and new pathways throughout the precinct and between the bus stop and stadium entrance. These works support current building code requirements and Universal Design principles.

The improvements will provide a more comfortable and accessible experience for spectators, enhance public safety and improve lighting, sound and broadcast capabilities for televised sporting events.

The investment will also benefit local sporting clubs and athletes, providing a modern venue for training and competition while creating more opportunities for juniors and community sport.

The Ballarat Sports Events Centre is one of five Regional Sports Infrastructure Program projects in Ballarat and one of 18 projects across regional Victoria.

Cr Hargreaves said, “Selkirk Stadium is one of Ballarat’s most important sporting and events venues. The works completed at the facility now mean a more accessible, modern and high-quality experience for local clubs, major events and the wider community.”

For more information about the Regional Sport Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/rsip.