The Wellington Phoenix’s Football United Tour double header in Wellington has seen 13,000 tickets snapped up on its first day of pre-sales.
The Wellington Phoenix-s Football United Tour double header in Wellington has seen 13,000 tickets snapped up on its first day of pre-sales.
The other two match days in Dunedin and Auckland have sold over 6,000 tickets.
A pre-sales window for the Wellington and Auckland events opened at 9am today for the Football Family, partners of the Phoenix and the Tour waitlist and will continue through until Sunday 5pm. Dunedin public sale starts Wednesday 21 May.
Phoenix General Manager David Dome said that the number of pre-sales had been extremely encouraging and suggested that strong crowds are expected in Auckland and Dunedin, with a sell-out in Wellington.
“Interest from local fans and around the world has been very encouraging but you never know until you actually go on sale.
“The pre-sales window opened this morning and showed us that fans are excited about the Tour and are purchasing tickets in big numbers”
“Public sales don-t until start Monday. We-re expecting another busy day on Monday and have up-resourced at Ticketek to be able to handle the anticipated big demand, but are asking people to be patient as we try and process as quickly as we can”
Dome said that the interest both internationally and domestically had been encouraging.
“Anecdotally we have been told of 2,000 from the Australian Newcastle supporters group who are making the trip to support their team.
“Similar numbers, if not more, are expected from OzHammers and a number of other Australian based West Ham supporter groups.
Dome also confirmed the kick off times for the two English Premier League teams on July 26 in Wellington.
“We want the double header in Wellington to be an all-day event with entertainment at Westpac Stadium from the morning but the whole thing over early evening enabling families to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime sporting occasion.
“The West Ham v Sydney game will kick off at 2pm with Newcastle United taking on the Phoenix at 4.30pm”.
Dome said that local sports bodies have also been keen to support the Tour and help out by re-scheduling sports events on the day.
“We are very grateful to local sports administrators enabling as many fans to get to the games as possible”.
Richard Reid, CEO Capital Football, says that the Federation is keen to give local football players the chance to be part of the day-long event.
“Capital Football will postpone men-s football on Saturday July 26 in order to give every member of the football community the chance to be part of what promises to be an amazing event for the Capital.”
John Hornal, Executive Director, College Sport says that they are also supportive of the event.
“In support of this momentous football occasion and to give those who wish the opportunity to attend, College Sport Wellington will support requests from those schools seeking to reschedule fixtures on this day.
“I would suggest that given the College kick off times, all those who want to see the EPL teams play should be able to be accommodated”.
At A Glance
• Westpac Stadium to host a full day of events and exhibitions planned with kick off times below:
West Ham United v Sydney FC, kick off 2pm
Newcastle United v Wellington Phoenix, kick off 4.30pm
• Sales open to the public on Monday 19 May for Auckland and Wellington via Ticketek.
• Sales open to the public on Wednesday 21 May for Dunedin via Ticket Direct.
