HAMILTON will become the latest city to host top-flight professional football when the Wellington Phoenix play there on July 10.
The Phoenix take on Brisbane Roar in a Hyundai A-League 2010/11 pre-season clash at Waikato Stadium next month in what will be the capital club-s first visit to the region.
Having enjoyed massive support in previous competition and pre-season fixtures away from their Wellington home – in Christchurch, Queenstown and Palmerston North – the Phoenix are hoping for a bumper turnout at Waikato Stadium for the 2pm kickoff on Saturday, July 10.
“It-ll be the first match we-ll have played in Hamilton and the first time the city has hosted a Hyundai A-League fixture,” said Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata.
“Big crowds have always turned out to support us when we-ve taken matches away from Wellington. Given that the Waikato has a vibrant and passionate football community we-re hoping for a big turnout, with a lot of fans from throughout the central North Island and the Auckland region also likely to make the trip to Hamilton for what-ll be a fantastic event.”
The Phoenix are expected to bring a full-strength squad to Hamilton, with head coach Ricki Herbert and the Wellington club-s New Zealand international contingent most likely to back from the World Cup in South Africa.
“Unless, of course, the All Whites happen to be in the World Cup final (on July 11) or the playoff for third (on July 10),” said Pignata. “Strange things can happen in sport!”
The Phoenix player most fired up about the Hamilton match is tricky midfielder Marco Rojas.
The 18-year-old Hamiltonian joined the Phoenix on a two-year deal in 2009 after impressing club bosses during a trial scholarship run by Phoenix supporters- club Yellow Fever.
“I-m really looking forward to going back to play in the city where I started playing my football”, said the former Fraser High student and Hamilton Wanderers player. “Hopefully all my friends, family and old schoolmates come to the game to support me and the Phoenix.”
The Hamilton match will be the first competitive pre-season hit-out for the Phoenix ahead of their Hyundai A-League 2010/11 campaign. The Phoenix will also play a gala event match against Argentinian super club Boca Juniors at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on July 23.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX V BRISBANE ROAR
Waikato Stadium
Hamilton
July 10, 2010
Kickoff 2pm
Brian Perry Covered Adult $19.50
Brian Perry Covered Child $ 8.50
Brain Perry Covered Family 2 Adults + 2 Children (14 & under) $50.00
Brian Perry uncovered Adult $15.00
Brian Perry Uncovered Child $ 7.50
Brian Perry Uncovered Family 2 Adults and 2 children (14 & under) $40.00
Greenzone Embankment Adult $12.00
Greenzone Embankment Child $ 5.00
Tickets on sale from Monday, June 7
>Click here to go to the Ticketek site for tickets or ring 0800 TICKETEK (842538)
Hamilton: Founders Theatre; I-SITE Garden Place; I-SITE Huntly; New World Supermarket, Te Rapa; Kukri Store; Super Liquor Chartwell; Take Note Dinsdale; WEL Energy Trust Academy, Waikato University
Matamata: I-Site
Taupo: Great Lake Centre
Tauranga: Baycourt Arts Centre
