Lightning buoyed by stadium upgrade

Sunshine Coast hope a development to house an extra thousand fans will be completed before they shoot for a third-straight Super Netball title next year.

The Lightning have won both campaigns since joining the league and last season had more than 2300 members despite only boasting a 2000-seat stadium.

Preliminary work has begun to expand USC Stadium to about 3000 seats, while new change rooms, a function room, public bathrooms and upgraded sound system will also be added.

Construction is scheduled for completion in May, after the season begins in April.

Lightning boss Danielle Smith is in talks with Netball Australia to schedule a bulk of the Lightning's home games after the development is completed.

"The club has sold out every home game since its inception and given some fans have missed out on tickets to past matches, we're excited to be able to provide more people with the opportunity to attend live games at Lightning HQ," Smith said.

The Lightning will be without Caitlin Bassett or Geva Mentor next season but will welcome Laura Langman and Ugandan shooter Peace Proscovia as they hunt three straight titles.