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Aucklanders expected to flock to Vector Arena for tonight's free ANZ Championship match between Mercury Energy Tactix and LG Mystics

Thursday 7 April 2011, 2:18PM

By ANZ Championship

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AUCKLAND

TTNL and Netball New Zealand are currently putting the final touches to tonight’s much-hyped free ANZ Championship match between the Mercury Energy Tactix and LG Mystics.

The two teams were originally scheduled to meet in Round 3, however the match was postponed following the 22 February Christchurch earthquake.

Re-scheduling the match proved to be somewhat challenging in an already condensed ANZ Championship season, however both teams and league organisers are delighted that Vector Arena has been able to accommodate the event as a special Thursday night opening match for Round 9.

In a gesture of great generosity, Vector Arena management agreed to waive the venue hire fee, allowing the match to be run as a fundraising event for the Tactix and Canterbury Netball.

Entry to tonight’s match will be free, with patrons invited to make a donation at the gate.

Brendan Hines, General Manager at Vector Arena, said “Tonight’s game offers a wonderful opportunity for Aucklanders to watch world-class netball while also supporting Canterbury through the work of community-based sporting organisations such as Canterbury Netball.

“Netball New Zealand have been wonderful supporters of the Arena since opening four years ago, so we jumped at the chance to reciprocate that support when approached about tonight’s game”, he continued.

“On behalf of the Executive of Vector Arena, we sincerely thank Vector Arena staff, contractors and suppliers for their generous support in making this evening’s game possible”.

In a further show of support for the Tactix, Mystics athletes including Maria Tutaia and Temepara George have been out in force this week promoting the event, handing out fliers for the match throughout the Auckland CBD and visiting local schools to spread the word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P746grJS3LI

ANZ Championship General Manager Anthony Everard said, “It’s been a great team effort to bring this event together for the two teams, and for Canterbury’s netball community.

“I would especially like to acknowledge the tremendous support of Vector Arena. Together with Netball New Zealand and the LG Mystics, they have allowed us to try something a bit different by inviting Aucklanders to come along to an ANZ Championship match for free, while supporting our Canterbury team and the re-development of netball in that region”, he said.

“We hope that the Auckland community will come out in force and enjoy a great night out; not forgetting, of course, that there are all-important Championship points up for grabs tonight”.

Doors open tonight at 6.30pm, with first centre pass scheduled for 7.40pm. The match will be shown live on SKY Sport 2 from 7.30pm.

Further details are available at anz-championship.com.