Wellington Phoenix have confirmed Auckland’s QBE Stadium as the venue for their Hyundai A-League Round 27 clash with Melbourne City on Saturday, 14 April.
It will be the club’s second fixture at the 25,000-capacity venue this season, with a visit also scheduled against Newcastle Jets in Round 23.
Phoenix general manager David Dome said the move was part of a “delicate balancing act” to connect with the club’s widespread supporter base.
“Our fans, predominantly Wellington-based, want to see the club at Westpac Stadium as much as they can, but we get applications from around New Zealand, from fan groups, from councils to see the Nix come play in their home city,” Dome said.
“Football around New Zealand is a code that continues to grow, so we’re delighted to be able to satisfy our northern fanbase by bringing the Nix to town so young kids can see their heroes in the flesh.
“Regional fans have in the past really embraced us when we travel – we’ve had 20,000 come out in Christchurch and Auckland in the past – so it’s important for us to continue to connect with important strategic markets around New Zealand.
“We remain, however, the Wellington Phoenix. The club has taken great strides to reiterate that this season and we remain committed to New Zealand’s capital of football, while also meeting our key commercial and corporate obligations.”
Wellington have appeared twice at QBE Stadium in the past two seasons, beating Melbourne Victory 2-0 in December 2015 and drawing 3-3 with Perth Glory last term.
