Manchester Thunder have confirmed Netball Manchester Live will return to Manchester Arena next season, as the 2018 Superleague fixtures are revealed.
Thunder face defending champions Wasps at the arena on Saturday, June 2, as netball makes a comeback to the venue for the first time since 2016.
The Black and Yellows open their 2018 campaign away to Severn Stars on Saturday, February 1
They will then host Sirens for their first home game on Monday, February 19, which is also scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
This match is due to take place at Belle Vue Sports Village, Thunder’s new home venue for selected games in 2018, with the rest remaining at Wright Robinson Sports College.
For the first time, the season will be split into two halves, with a five-week break for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Players will break off after the seventh-round fixture against benecoMavericks on Friday, March 16 and will not return until Thunder take on Surrey Storm on Saturday, April 21.
Other key 2018 fixtures include an away trip to Storm in front of the Sky Sports cameras (Saturday, 16 June) and a game against Team Bath on the final day of the regular season on Saturday, June 23.
Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, said:
“We’re really excited to be working with the Manchester Thunder again and wish them all the best for what will be a really competitive Netball Super League season. Hosting top-quality netball is a great addition to Manchester’s world-class sporting offer and I hope that as many people as possible will support the team and be inspired to try the sport for themselves.”
Please note: All fixtures are subject to change