The Wellington Phoenix are bringing a double-header to Christchurch this Waitangi Day.
One New Zealand Stadium will host the Nix women’s and men’s teams for the very first time on Saturday, February 6 as they each face Western Sydney Wanderers.
The women’s side will kick off at 2.15pm before the men play at 5pm.
This is the third season in a row the Nix have played in Christchurch, with last year’s match seeing the Phoenix men beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 in front of a crowd of over eleven thousand at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome is buzzing to be back in the Garden City.
“Being able to take both our men’s and women’s teams to Christchurch is incredibly exciting,” Dome said.
“In particular, bringing a professional women’s football game to Ōtautahi for the first time is something we know will create lifelong memories.
“Our Cantabrian fans were crucial in getting us over the line when we last played there, and we know they’ll bring the same energy for both teams this year too.
“The players always enjoy playing in Christchurch, and being at the new stadium will make it even more special.”
Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare can’t wait to bring more football to Christchurch.
“It is going to be a special occasion seeing the Phoenix men and women make their debuts under the roof at One New Zealand Stadium,” Harvie-Teare said.
“Football fans bring a different type of energy and a huge amount of passion so we can’t wait to see the stands packed and to hear the roar of the crowd under the roof.
“Venues Ōtautahi are proud of the wonderful partnership we have with the Wellington Phoenix. The team have really resonated with football fans in Canterbury, and we have seen that with great crowds at Apollo Projects Stadium. Now we have an opportunity to elevate that to the next level at One New Zealand Stadium.”
“There is a huge appetite for football in Ōtautahi, Christchurch which we have seen from the record attendance at the Chatham Cup and Kate Sheppard Cup finals and the trajectory of ticket sales for the All Whites match in October.”
There will be an active supporters zone at One New Zealand Stadium, which will include fans drumming, singing, and not sitting in their allocated seats.
Tickets will go on sale for the match late next week, with a members’ pre-sale opening the day before tickets are available to the general public.
