The Wellington Phoenix are returning to Palmerston North after a lengthy absence to be part of a major event in the city.
The Phoenix men will play their round 14 Isuzu UTE A-League match against Perth Glory at Central Energy Trust Arena on Saturday, January 28 before UB40 lead singer Ali Campbell performs next door at Fly Palmy Arena.
The match will kick-off at the family-friendly time of 3pm, with Campbell, the voice of international hits like Red Red Wine and Don’t Break My Heart, to take to the stage later in the evening after support from Kiwi favourites The Feelers and the legendary Sir Dave Dobbyn.
The Phoenix last took a match to Manawatū in December 2009, when they hosted Sydney FC.
General manager David Dome has thanked the team at Palmy Venues for stepping up to host the Nix.
“It’s been incredibly challenging finding venues for both teams this summer with so many events happening across Aotearoa,” Dome said.
“Finding a suitable ground for the men’s match against Perth has been particularly difficult so I’m relieved Palmy Venues can host us.
“It’s great that the club can be a part of such a major event in Palmerston North too. We’re all looking forward to returning to Manawatū.”
Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith says it’s an honour to host the Phoenix again after 13 years.
“Our recently upgraded Central Energy Trust Arena is a world-class regional sporting facility that is geared up to host significant events just like this,” Smith said.
“It will be the perfect venue to host football fans from around the wider Central New Zealand region of not only Manawatū, but Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone and showcasing what a great city Palmerston North is for visiting, and for events.”
The match finalises the men’s home schedule for the 2022-23 season.
Four of their 13 home matches have already been played at Sky Stadium, with a further five games to come in the capital, all of which will be double-headers with the Phoenix women.
The men will also play two matches at Eden Park in March and April.
They will return from the three week FIFA World Cup break with a match against Western Sydney Wanderers in Wollongong on Saturday night.
Tickets for the men’s match against Perth Glory in Palmerston North are now on sale.
Updated Wellington Phoenix men’s draw 2022-23 (home games in bold, kick-off times in NZT):
Sunday, October 9 vs Adelaide United at Sky Stadium – 3pm
Sunday, October 16 vs Central Coast Mariners at Sky Stadium – 3pm
Saturday, October 22 vs Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium – 7pm
Sunday, October 30 vs Melbourne City at AAMI Park – 7pm
Sunday, November 6 vs Macarthur FC at Sky Stadium – 3pm
Sunday, November 13 vs Western United at Sky Stadium – 3pm
FIFA World Cup break – November 18 – December 8
Saturday, December 10 vs Western Sydney Wanderers at WIN Stadium – 7pm
Saturday, December 17 vs Adelaide United at Sky Stadium – 3pm
Friday, December 23 vs Perth Glory at Macedonia Park – 12:30am (Saturday)
Monday, January 2 vs Melbourne City at Sky Stadium – 3pm
Saturday, January 7 vs Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium – 7pm
Saturday, January 14 vs Brisbane Roar at Moreton Daily Stadium – 7pm
Sunday, January 22 vs Central Coast Mariners at Sky Stadium – 3pm
Saturday, January 28 vs Perth Glory at Central Energy Trust Arena – 3pm
Friday, February 3 vs Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park – 9:45pm
Sunday, February 12 vs Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Stadium – 7pm
Friday, February 17 vs Western United at University of Tasmania Stadium – 9:45pm
Friday, February 24 vs Central Coast Mariners at Industree Group Stadium – 9:45pm
Saturday, March 4 vs Newcastle Jets at Sky Stadium – 3pm
Sunday, March 12 vs Sydney FC at Eden Park – 3pm
Friday, March 17 vs Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium – 9:45pm
FIFA international break – March 20-28
Saturday, April 1 vs Melbourne Victory at Sky Stadium – 3pm
Monday, April 10 vs Melbourne City at AAMI Park – 6pm
Sunday, April 16 vs Brisbane Roar at Eden Park – 3pm
Friday, April 21 vs Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium – 9:45pm
Sunday, April 30 vs Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Stadium – 7pm
