The Australian Diamonds will play against New Zealand in the capital for the first time in October next year to celebrate Canberra’s centenary.

However, Canberra’s chances of getting regular fixtures are limited by the smaller 4000-seat capacity at the AIS Arena.

Australia-New Zealand contests can attract more than 10,000 fans when played in Sydney or Melbourne.

The government is planning to build a multi-purpose stadium in the CBD by 2020 which will host rugby league, rugby union, soccer and concerts.

With adjustable seating at either ends of the field and a semi-artificial playing turf, it could also have the ability to host one-off netball or basketball matches.

ACT Sport Minister Andrew Barr admits it’s unlikely Canberra will be able to secure future clashes between Australia and New Zealand because of venue size.

But he said building an enclosed rectangular stadium could off-set the need for a new indoor venue for concerts, netball and basketball.

‘‘Potentially you could incorporate in the design about how you could move temporary seats at both ends and make it more intimate by moving the seats in at both ends,’’ Barr said.

‘‘Our challenge in terms of indoor arenas is that over time as the city grows and grows we need the capacity of the venue so it’s a much more viable commercial proposition for the sports.

‘‘We recognise the age of the AIS Arena and in the longer term, that’s something the city will need to consider - a multi-purpose indoor venue which can accommodate large sporting events as well as rock concerts ... maybe an enclosed stadium in the CBD with the capacity to have a netball court dropped in.’’

The Diamonds will almost certainly play in front of a sold out crowd at the AIS Arena and to cater for fans who fail to get tickets, the government will set up a live site with a big screen at Canberra Stadium.

The players and coaches will go to the live site to meet the fans before and after the match.

Netball is the latest addition to the sporting celebrations for the centenary.

The Diamonds played against England at the AIS Arena last year in front of a capacity crowd. It was the first international fixture in Canberra since 2001.

Australian coach Lisa Alexander was not concerned about playing in front of a smaller than usual crowd for a clash against the Silver Ferns.

And Alexander backed a future move to add the Canberra Darters to the Trans-Tasman league.

‘‘Canberra is a happy hunting ground [for the Diamonds] and we’ve made a big commitment here to the AIS program,’’ Alexander said.

‘‘Canberrans will just love it ... I haven’t seen the live site before and it’s a big thing for netball.

‘‘... I think we need another team in our national league and I’ve expressed that. We know it’s going to take finances, but Canberra would be a wonderful base.’’

Rookie Diamonds defender Chanel Gomes is hoping to make her international debut when Australia plays England on Sunday.

Gomes lived in Canberra when training at the AIS and hopes she’s still in the squad for next year’s clash.

‘‘It’s a bit exciting, nerve wracking ... to play in front of a sell out crowd would be amazing,’’ Gomes said.

‘‘I’m still getting my head around [being in the Test squad], when you play against New Zealand teams it’s loud and feels like there’s 12,000 people if there’s 3700.’’