The Wellington Phoenix are returning to Christchurch in January after an eight-year absence, having finalised a new agreement with Venues Ōtautahi.
The Phoenix are taking their round 16 Isuzu UTE A-League match against reigning champions Central Coast to Apollo Projects Stadium.
The match will kick-off at 5pm on Saturday, January 25 and tickets are on sale now.
The club has also committed to take men’s matches to Christchurch during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 A-League seasons as part of a three-year agreement between the Phoenix and Venues Ōtautahi.
It’s hoped the next two fixtures will be played at One New Zealand Stadium, which is due to open in April 2026.
Phoenix general manager David Dome is looking forward to taking the men back across Cook Strait.
“I’m thrilled we have been able to reach this agreement with Venues Ōtautahi so we can bring professional football back to the South Island for the next three seasons,” Dome said.
“I know we have a lot of fans in the Te Waipounamu and we get great support whenever we take matches to Christchurch.
“I expect another big crowd in January as this is a marquee fixture. The Mariners narrowly pipped us for the Premiers’ Plate last season and then went on to win the A-League championship, so we’ve got a point to prove.”
Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare says the three-year partnership marks a significant step for football in Christchurch.
“This agreement will see the first match played at Apollo Projects Stadium and the following matches across the remaining two years of the partnership at One New Zealand Stadium, showcasing just the beginning of the diverse range of sporting content we will host at the new venue,” Harvie-Teare said.
“It’s fantastic to see football taking root in Christchurch, and we are grateful for the club’s commitment to the city ahead of One New Zealand Stadium’s opening. We can’t wait to see the Phoenix rise here in the South.”
The Phoenix have played four A-League matches in Christchurch, the first of which was in January 2010 when almost 20 thousand fans filled Lancaster Park for a match against Adelaide United, which the Nix won 1-0.
The two sides returned the following season and this time Canterbury’s own Ben Sigmund scored the 90th minute match-winner.
It turned out to be the last major sporting event to be played at Lancaster Park before the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
The Phoenix returned for the first time post-quakes in late 2013 to play at Apollo Projects Stadium and drew 1-1 with Perth Glory, and most recently played Central Coast Mariners there in early 2016.
The two sides will renew their rivalry in Canterbury nine years later.
