Wellington Phoenix FC is set for their first ever appearance at Baypark Stadium in a pre-season Trans Tasman clash against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday 25th September.
Wellington Phoenix FC is set for their first ever appearance at Baypark Stadium in a pre-season trans Tasman clash against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday 25th September.
The fixture is expected to turn Baypark yellow attracting thousands of the team-s fanatical fans and bringing a special atmosphere to the venue.
“The Phoenix have a very strong following here in the Bay” said Tauranga City Venues Ltd General Manager Ervin McSweeney. “With nearly 5,000 youth playing football in the region and a 3.00pm kick-off it will be a great family day out.
The Phoenix are also known for their fantastic engagement with their younger fans giving kids a chance to get up close to their sporting idols”, he said.
Phoenix chief executive Nathan Greenham said the match was important preparation in the Phoenix’s pre-season build up to the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season which kicks off in October.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for us to take the team on the road to other parts of the country and meet supporters from outside the team-s home in Wellington.”
The Phoenix will be bringing a full strength squad including current All Whites Tim Brown, Ben Sigmund, Leo Bertos, Mark Paston and Tony Lochhead
The Central Coast Mariners are a traditionally a strong team who have featured in two Grand Finals including last year-s thriller against the Brisbane Roar.
Match tickets go on sale on Thursday, 11 August, and will be available through TicketDirect at the Baypark, Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, or by phoning 0800 4ticket.
