The Wellington Phoenix are set to play the Central Coast Mariners in season 2016/17 of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 at Canberra’s GIO Stadium thanks to the support of ACT Government.
The match will see the Phoenix marking the instigation of a new Singapore Airlines direct flight between Wellington International Airport and Canberra starting in September 2016.
Today in Australia’s capital, Central Coast Mariners Chief Executive Shaun Mielekamp, Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome, ACT’s Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Mayor of Wellington Celia Wade-Brown were on hand to announce the match.
 ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr was excited to partner with the two Clubs and bring a Hyundai A-League match to Canberra.
“This is an exciting opportunity for football fans in Canberra who have demonstrated a real appetite for football in recent years,” Barr said.
“I’m delighted that the Central Coast Mariners have partnered with the ACT Government to bring this clash to Canberra, and I hope to see more A-League games in Canberra over the coming years.”
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said the Phoenix was thrilled to be part of the new initiative.
“As an away game it’s great to be able to tie in the new Singapore Airlines direct flight between Wellington and Canberra and we will be working with Wellington City Council, ACT Government, Capital Football in Canberra and the Mariners to make a bit of an event around the game.”
Both Clubs acknowledge Chief Minister Andrew Barr and his team who have been instrumental in getting the game across the line and also recognise Capital Football and Chairman Mark O’Neill for bringing this altogether.
