Netball fans in Rotorua will enjoy a pre-season clash between Waikato Bay of Plenty Avis Magic and the Stars on April 4.

The Rotorua Energy Events Centre will host the highly anticipated match, with centre pass at 6.30pm. Supporters will get their first look at both teams before the 2025 ANZ Premiership season begins.

Profiles Gyms has partnered with Magic for the 2025 season, supported by Rotorua Lakes Council, Red Stag, Rotorua Trust, Millennium Hotels, and the Rotorua Netball Centre.

A community event on Saturday will extend the excitement. Players from both teams will lead a skills session for young netballers aged 7-16.

A Q&A and signing session will follow, giving young fans a rare chance to meet their idols.

Magic will make a memorable trip to Rotorua for the match, ensuring the team maintains strong ties with the region.

The squad will not have a regular-season game in Rotorua this year, but organisers wanted to let local fans see elite netball in action.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell welcomed the initiative and confirmed she would attend the match.

“We really wanted a netball event for Rotorua, so this is such exciting news and a great opportunity for our region,” Tapsell said.

“We’re proud to be hosting this pre-season event so our locals get a chance to see our netball stars in real life.

“We have a supportive community who back this great sport and we thank the organisers and sponsors for making this possible and bringing the magic of netball to life in Rotorua.

“Like many others, my family and I look forward to going along to enjoy and support.”

Magic head coach Mary-Jane Araroa highlighted the importance of community engagement.

“We know how passionate Rotorua is about netball and about Magic, and we wanted to create this opportunity to engage with our supporters here,” Araroa said.

“This game, and the community event that follows, are about celebrating netball and bringing our fans closer to the team.”

Profiles Gyms owner Simon Chisolm welcomed the opportunity to support the event.

“Profiles Gym is excited to fully support this season of netball and the community event,” Chisolm said.

“We’re proud to sponsor Avis Magic as they take on their rivals, the Stars, and we’d love to see more top-level sport brought to Rotorua for everyone to enjoy.

“Being part of this opportunity for our young people is something we’re truly passionate about.”

Tickets for the pre-season match start at $5 and go on sale on Friday, March 7 via Ticketmaster.