The Wellington Phoenix needs to fill the stadium at its next home game showing that it means business…
The Wellington Phoenix needs to fill the stadium at its next home game showing that it means business in its fight to stay in the Australian football league.
Phoenix general manager David Dome says that the club needs bums on seats at the game against Adelaide United on Friday 13.
“We are extremely grateful for the huge amount of support for the Club not only from within New Zealand, but from Australia and around the world. But at this game we need the support of the public like never before.
“The fans across the league are behind us. The other clubs are behind us. The Wellington City Council and Westpac Stadium are behind us. Our sponsors are behind us. And we are so appreciative of all that. What we need is the public to show their support at the Stadium next Friday night.
“If the fans don’t turn up, then it does call into question whether the Club survives.
‘’But the support has been fantastic – now we just want to translate that into bums on seats!’’
The club – from its players to owners and support staff – has been humbled by the outpouring of support since the A-League’s parent body Football Federation Australia called into question the long term licence last week. The Club wants to send a strong message to the FFA, Mr Dome says.
“We know we deserve to be in the A-League. Our financial performance, our support and our quality of football all stack up. What we’re asking of fans and the city is that they show they believe that too.”
Mr Dome hopes to get at least a crowd of 10,000 to the Westpac Stadium.
“That would be a pass mark for us given this is the biggest challenge that professional football has ever had in this country. Ideally we’d love to see something closer to 15,000.”
For those who can attend, Mr Dome promises a fantastic Friday night stadium experience. All kids’ tickets for the game are priced at $2, with adults tickets starting at just $10.
“It’s going to be a unique sporting experience – the Club on the edge, the fan club the Yellow Fever fired up, the players wanting to perform to prove their worth … It will be a huge night for us and for everyone who comes along.”
Mr Dome says a marketing effort is planned, and thanked Wellington City Council, sponsors, Westpac Stadium and fans for their support so far.
‘’We just need the fans to turn up now.’’
At A Glance
Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide, Friday 13 November, 7.30pm, Westpac Stadium
Ticketek: http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/Show.aspx?sh=PHOENIXC16
