HISTORY will be made in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) on February 4 when the Southside Flyers host the Sydney Uni Flames in the competition’s first ever match at John Cain Arena.

The venue is typically home to NBL games, but with interest rising in the WNBL on a yearly basis, and the Flyers enjoying all-time popularity, the decision was an easy one for those in charge.

Southside Flyers have received a massive boost in attendance since the addition of Lauren Jackson, who was always set to draw plenty of attention from basketball fans.

The match at John Cain Arena has been promoted as a celebration of Australia’s greatest ever basketballer in Jackson, who returned to the top level to compete for Southside, a move that has benefited both parties thus far.

The Flyers are currently sitting at nine wins and three losses, proving one of the teams to beat this season, and looking likely for a finals berth at the end of the home and away fixture.

Although they had a slower start to the season, Shane Heal‘s Flames have improved of late, and have proven extremely competitive against some of the league’s best sides. Although they will face a tall task slowing down Jackson and the Flyers, they are capable of posting a winning score and producing a serious upset.

With a capacity of over 9000, fans will be able to flock to the stands and see one of the best players in the history of the sport hit the court in the twilight of her career.

Gerry Ryan, director of the Southside Flyers, has hailed the match as an exceptional event for the sport.

“This will be a very special event, not just for basketball, but a celebration of women’s sport featuring Lauren, a true world sporting icon,” Ryan said. “What Lauren has done for basketball, and indeed women’s sport, continues to be remarkable and we are thrilled to have this opportunity for the Flyers to be part of history with Lauren part of the team”.

Flyers coach Cheryl Chambers echoed these sentiments, and expressed her excitement to see her side at such a prestigious venue.

“This is such an incredible event the players and all the staff are excited to have the opportunity to make history and play on the big stage at John Cain Arena. It is great for women’s basketball and we look forward to huge support from basketball fans and all sport lovers,” Chambers said.

The match will take place on Saturday, February 4 at 6:30pm.