A-league Expansion - Derbies

Never forget that the RoF is the way it is because they were predicting several sell-out crowds for ODI cricket games every season - plus a few AFL games into the bargain. 

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Doloras

RR

Doloras

What's Spoonley blithering about? Where could you possibly have room to build a stadium downtown, at least until the port is moved somewhere else? https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/15/sprint-on-for-auckland-a-league-team-downtown-stadium-included/

Wynyard Point. It's being redeveloped over the next few years, would be absolutely perfect. 

Where exactly? Right out at the tip so it can get wrecked in the next cyclone?

Screenshot (145).png 580.57 KB

Ofc you design the area to deal with any future storm surges etc.

Its close to Britomart & the Motorways. Has minimal amount of business to relocate. Isn't existing green space like a Victoria Park. If you had it start around where the Team NZ base is, you could still have a smaller version of the planned park at the end. If you were gonna build a boutique CBD Stadium, that is the place that would require the least effort to push thru.

InsulinMachine

Having said all that I'm gutted Christchurch didn't get a mention.

We had 20k for a Nix game, a lot of English and Europeans live here, growing population and a brand new stadium in the CBD. 

Such a shame, not even the Nix come visit us anymore 😢 

I'm sure you've seen but Christchurch United have been interested in an A-League side for a while. Slava Meyn does have deep pockets and they're quite ambitious. 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/domestic/113678115/christchurch-united-eye-aleague-as-ultimate-goal

Not sure it works long term - it will need a lot of public buy-in that I just don't think is there. But the Nix should definitely bring some games back to Christchurch, especially once Auckland gets their own team. 

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Ockers were asking me on another forum whether there was "hatred between Wellington and Auckland, like between Sydney and Melbourne". I should have just directed their attention to this post, lol

InsulinMachine

Having said all that I'm gutted Christchurch didn't get a mention.

We had 20k for a Nix game, a lot of English and Europeans live here, growing population and a brand new stadium in the CBD. 

Such a shame, not even the Nix come visit us anymore 😢 

Good news! When Auckland is Expansion Franchise territory, Nix "home away" games will inevitably go to Christchurch. Or Dunedin. Or Napier. Or the Ring of Dirt. Er, forget I said anything.

lthomas20

InsulinMachine

Having said all that I'm gutted Christchurch didn't get a mention.

We had 20k for a Nix game, a lot of English and Europeans live here, growing population and a brand new stadium in the CBD. 

Such a shame, not even the Nix come visit us anymore 😢 

I'm sure you've seen but Christchurch United have been interested in an A-League side for a while. Slava Meyn does have deep pockets and they're quite ambitious. 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/domestic/113678115/christchurch-united-eye-aleague-as-ultimate-goal

Not sure it works long term - it will need a lot of public buy-in that I just don't think is there. But the Nix should definitely bring some games back to Christchurch, especially once Auckland gets their own team. 

Until the war in Ukraine is resolved, Meyn would be best for now to keep a low profile. But he seems like someone playing the long game, investing in ChCh over time, and adding infrastructure to the city. An ALM team would be a huge step up, but who knows. He's part owned a 2nd tier(?) club in Russia before.

But yes once that shiny new downtown stadium is built with it's roof, a ChCh ALM team could be a prospect. Certainly the Nix will be taking some games there once the stadium is built. They could easily get 15K plus crowds for a few games, as folks from around the Sth Island and Welly are attracted there to check it all out.

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

If it goes ahead I can definitely see them 'raiding' the Weenix Academy for some young promising Kiwis, especially kids originally from Auckland. That should nicely add some spice to the first derby game.

Anyway Burgess thinks a new franchise will work 3rd time round. Just the small matter of that $AUD20-25M entry fee to find.

The prospect of an Auckland A League club is brilliant. Finally.

It will definitely work this time round, guaranteed.

— Michael Burgess (@mikeburgess99) March 15, 2023

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

I'm pretty sure that Burgess tweet is being sarcastic

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

I think an economist would call it economies of scale

Monto

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

Those European clubs are institutions that are over 100 years old, from the same cities and playing in leagues consisting only of other teams from their country. People in the stadium will have great-great-grandparents that supported them. If Auckland comes to pass it could take a while for that rivalry/animosity to bed-in up here, especially given that most - if not all - of the people who'd support Auckland would currently support the Phoenix. It's difficult to suddenly hate a team that you might've spent 15 years supporting. 

I'd love to see an Auckland team beat a Wellington team as per, but there'd also be twelve Australian teams I'd like to see do worse. At least the Phoenix would (probably) be playing New Zealanders. It's not like the National League where every team is full of New Zealanders - the last few weeks the Phoenix have been playing as many Australians as the other eleven teams combined have been playing New Zealand representatives.

I was far too young to remember what it was like last time around in Auckland, but I feel there's some latent support for football in Auckland. Maybe it's no different to the previous, maybe it is. The Phoenix get good numbers, relative to the league, at Eden Park and Auckland set attendance records for both the All Whites (in a friendly) and Football Ferns (any match) in the last six months.

Is there any other country in the world, as hung up with per capita stats as NZ?
I think not.

Doloras

I'm pretty sure that Burgess tweet is being sarcastic

I don't think Burgess is being sarcastic at all. Why use 'Finally' if you were.
His fellow Auckland based football journo AV seems optimistic.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/131515004/take-five-key-questions-answered-about-plans-for-a-new-auckland-aleagues-club

Hasn’t this been tried before – why will it be any different this time?

Auckland has been home to two professional football clubs in the past – the Football Kingz, who played in Australia’s old National Soccer League from 1999 to 2004 and were then restructured to become the New Zealand Knights, who played in the first two seasons of A-League Men from 2005 to 2007.

It has been 16 years since the Knights folded and time does heal a lot of wounds. Football has grown massively in this country since then and a generation of football fans who have no memories of either team will be the target market.

The biggest difference will be having an ownership group that is committed for the long term and able to at least match the Phoenix financially. While that isn’t guaranteed as yet, that’s what APL will be looking for over the next three months. If foreign investors are on the cards, making sure their interests are aligned with the interests of local investors and the local football community will be key.

Auckland and Canberra were identified as the two best markets for the A-Leagues to expand into ahead of 11 other Australian contenders.

RR

Doloras

RR

Doloras

What's Spoonley blithering about? Where could you possibly have room to build a stadium downtown, at least until the port is moved somewhere else? https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/15/sprint-on-for-auckland-a-league-team-downtown-stadium-included/

Wynyard Point. It's being redeveloped over the next few years, would be absolutely perfect. 

Where exactly? Right out at the tip so it can get wrecked in the next cyclone?

Screenshot (145).png 580.57 KB

Ofc you design the area to deal with any future storm surges etc.

Its close to Britomart & the Motorways. Has minimal amount of business to relocate. Isn't existing green space like a Victoria Park. If you had it start around where the Team NZ base is, you could still have a smaller version of the planned park at the end. If you were gonna build a boutique CBD Stadium, that is the place that would require the least effort to push thru.

Was standing in that very spot earlier this week meeting my brother in law, who works for Team NZ. Getting thousands of people into that area would be a huge challenge given the limited streets access. Not easy for buses. Spectacular spot though to have a stadium beside the ocean.

carlind

Monto

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

Those European clubs are institutions that are over 100 years old, from the same cities and playing in leagues consisting only of other teams from their country. People in the stadium will have great-great-grandparents that supported them. If Auckland comes to pass it could take a while for that rivalry/animosity to bed-in up here, especially given that most - if not all - of the people who'd support Auckland would currently support the Phoenix. It's difficult to suddenly hate a team that you might've spent 15 years supporting. 

I'd love to see an Auckland team beat a Wellington team as per, but there'd also be twelve Australian teams I'd like to see do worse. At least the Phoenix would (probably) be playing New Zealanders. It's not like the National League where every team is full of New Zealanders - the last few weeks the Phoenix have been playing as many Australians as the other eleven teams combined have been playing New Zealand representatives.

I was far too young to remember what it was like last time around in Auckland, but I feel there's some latent support for football in Auckland. Maybe it's no different to the previous, maybe it is. The Phoenix get good numbers, relative to the league, at Eden Park and Auckland set attendance records for both the All Whites (in a friendly) and Football Ferns (any match) in the last six months.

There's some history in the rivalry though, particularly in other sports. It's been going for well over 100 years. 

Anyway, I'm a Wellingtonian through and through, I've got no problem cheering against Auckland. Sure some of you guys up north might face a dilemma but that's not a Wellington problem once the Auckland team exists.

The rivalry definitely exists, I really don't think it'll be that hard to tap into. Sure it'll never be on euro or south American levels but there's no reason it can't be on Sydney vs Melbourne level.

People in Auckland don't really care about the rest of the country. Least of all a football match. (Source: Wellingtonian turned Aucklander.)

The A-league needs to get over trying to artificially force rivalries. Those things happen naturally overtime.

coochiee

RR

Doloras

RR

Doloras

What's Spoonley blithering about? Where could you possibly have room to build a stadium downtown, at least until the port is moved somewhere else? https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/15/sprint-on-for-auckland-a-league-team-downtown-stadium-included/

Wynyard Point. It's being redeveloped over the next few years, would be absolutely perfect. 

Where exactly? Right out at the tip so it can get wrecked in the next cyclone?

Screenshot (145).png 580.57 KB

Ofc you design the area to deal with any future storm surges etc.

Its close to Britomart & the Motorways. Has minimal amount of business to relocate. Isn't existing green space like a Victoria Park. If you had it start around where the Team NZ base is, you could still have a smaller version of the planned park at the end. If you were gonna build a boutique CBD Stadium, that is the place that would require the least effort to push thru.

Was standing in that very spot earlier this week meeting my brother in law, who works for Team NZ. Getting thousands of people into that area would be a huge challenge given the limited streets access. Not easy for buses. Spectacular spot though to have a stadium beside the ocean.

What about developing Western Springs? 4km from City Centre. Not familiar with Auckland but is it not an option? Or the Outer Oval at Eden Park? Put up seating for 10-15k crowd.

Is the outer field not used for cricket more than the main ground?

Monto

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

Well, rugby isn't Auckland's #1 game - league is, by some distance. It's a matter of connecting with your audience, something the Warriors and Breakers do well. 

Don't mind this at all - can only be good for developing professional football in NZ. Some young players will get a look in where they maybe would not have with just the Nix.

would be really awesome if the Auckland team jumped on board with the breakers or warriors fans. Warriors makes the most sense given they have a decent-ish stadium already and the seasons wont clash too badly.

theprof

would be really awesome if the Auckland team jumped on board with the breakers or warriors fans. Warriors makes the most sense given they have a decent-ish stadium already and the seasons wont clash too badly.

Mt Smart is my preferred venue - it has decent transport links (although not great) and people  who want to go to the pub beforehand can visit some nice pubs in Ellerslie or Onehunga and catch the train in.  onsite at Mt Smart there is a nice little outdoors cafe/bar (Lilyworld) - but that area is pretty industrial but that doesn't stop someone popping a bar in there if there is regular enough patronage.  

Other advantage is you could use the number 2 ground for smaller games with a bit of development and perhaps keep the match day costs down with bigger games hopping across to Mt Smart #1.

Knowing kiwis and how they are as sports fans, I’m sure as rivals the fans will share a beer together pre and post game, take same public transport together, and sit together during the game.. it’s not in our collective nature to do anything heated, do a pre game march or anything like that.. the rivalry will be full of good banter, chants maybe against each other but it will not go further then that, it’s not what us quiet, shy and humble kiwis do.

Monto

carlind

Monto

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

Those European clubs are institutions that are over 100 years old, from the same cities and playing in leagues consisting only of other teams from their country. People in the stadium will have great-great-grandparents that supported them. If Auckland comes to pass it could take a while for that rivalry/animosity to bed-in up here, especially given that most - if not all - of the people who'd support Auckland would currently support the Phoenix. It's difficult to suddenly hate a team that you might've spent 15 years supporting. 

I'd love to see an Auckland team beat a Wellington team as per, but there'd also be twelve Australian teams I'd like to see do worse. At least the Phoenix would (probably) be playing New Zealanders. It's not like the National League where every team is full of New Zealanders - the last few weeks the Phoenix have been playing as many Australians as the other eleven teams combined have been playing New Zealand representatives.

I was far too young to remember what it was like last time around in Auckland, but I feel there's some latent support for football in Auckland. Maybe it's no different to the previous, maybe it is. The Phoenix get good numbers, relative to the league, at Eden Park and Auckland set attendance records for both the All Whites (in a friendly) and Football Ferns (any match) in the last six months.

There's some history in the rivalry though, particularly in other sports. It's been going for well over 100 years. 

Anyway, I'm a Wellingtonian through and through, I've got no problem cheering against Auckland. Sure some of you guys up north might face a dilemma but that's not a Wellington problem once the Auckland team exists.

The rivalry definitely exists, I really don't think it'll be that hard to tap into. Sure it'll never be on euro or south American levels but there's no reason it can't be on Sydney vs Melbourne level.

Ted Striker

coochiee

RR

Doloras

RR

Doloras

What's Spoonley blithering about? Where could you possibly have room to build a stadium downtown, at least until the port is moved somewhere else? https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/15/sprint-on-for-auckland-a-league-team-downtown-stadium-included/

Wynyard Point. It's being redeveloped over the next few years, would be absolutely perfect. 

Where exactly? Right out at the tip so it can get wrecked in the next cyclone?

Screenshot (145).png 580.57 KB

Ofc you design the area to deal with any future storm surges etc.

Its close to Britomart & the Motorways. Has minimal amount of business to relocate. Isn't existing green space like a Victoria Park. If you had it start around where the Team NZ base is, you could still have a smaller version of the planned park at the end. If you were gonna build a boutique CBD Stadium, that is the place that would require the least effort to push thru.

Was standing in that very spot earlier this week meeting my brother in law, who works for Team NZ. Getting thousands of people into that area would be a huge challenge given the limited streets access. Not easy for buses. Spectacular spot though to have a stadium beside the ocean.

What about developing Western Springs? 4km from City Centre. Not familiar with Auckland but is it not an option? Or the Outer Oval at Eden Park? Put up seating for 10-15k crowd.

Crazy now that test cricket isn’t played in NZ’s biggest city.  Redeveloping Western Springs into a pretty boutique cricket ground for tests & first class games aka Hagley in ChCh makes some sense. Though yes the speedway fans don’t want that 

But that then frees up EP No 2 to be developed into a rectangular rugby/football ground to somehow seat 10-15k. Though might be a tight squeeze as it’s a pretty small ground already 

separate thread for the 30 year plan of a new Akld stadium

Many of the ALM clubs (over half?) ain’t based in the grounds they started out in, or left for a time as those grounds were completely redeveloped eg WSW with Parramatta/Commbank Stadium 

Edit - an Auckland team could start out at Mt Smart, but end up somewhere else after a few seasons.

Rusty Dunks

Monto

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

Well, rugby isn't Auckland's #1 game - league is, by some distance. It's a matter of connecting with your audience, something the Warriors and Breakers do well. 

Rusty Dunks

Monto

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

Well, rugby isn't Auckland's #1 game - league is, by some distance. It's a matter of connecting with your audience, something the Warriors and Breakers do well. 

Then how come the Warriors can't fill up Mt Smart? Not exactly a massive stadium. Can't be that popular then. Or Aucklanders really don't show up to sports as much as other places.

Monto

Rusty Dunks

Monto

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

Well, rugby isn't Auckland's #1 game - league is, by some distance. It's a matter of connecting with your audience, something the Warriors and Breakers do well. 

Rusty Dunks

Monto

Nixieboys222

wanting to create a rivalry & establishing one is different to actually wanting them to fail...

Monto

lthomas20

Christo

So when the Auckland Entity fail after a handful of seasons, I hope that license stays in NZ (will it be linked like the Nix one was iirc) and Chch gets a look in then.

Why do many people here want Auckland to fail?

Why is there so little faith in Auckland succeeding where they have a far bigger population, a stronger local football scene and passion, and a much greater local economy?

Because we're Wellington so fudge Auckland. That's how rivalries work. I hope the pricks fail miserably (I don't, we need them to keep NZ football exciting).

Well I'll be sure to tell that to the Rangers and Celtic fans. Or the Milan fans. Or the Red Star and Partisan fans... Oh wait, they all hate each other.

Now I'm not saying we have to actively hate Auckland to that level but it will always wish them nothing but the worst on the pitch regardless of what sport it is. I've been rallying against the Blues, Auckland NPC and ACFC for a long time and I'm personally not gonna change that. Long may the rivalry last!

See, this hypothetical Auckland team has already got it going.

And as for the skepticism around wether or not this team could be successful can you really blame people? Auckland doesn't have a great track record and their attendances at other sports relative to their population is quite bad really. Too keep up with the Hurricanes per capita the blues should be filling eden Park but they can't. They aren't even close.

Well, rugby isn't Auckland's #1 game - league is, by some distance. It's a matter of connecting with your audience, something the Warriors and Breakers do well. 

Then how come the Warriors can't fill up Mt Smart? Not exactly a massive stadium. Can't be that popular then. Or Aucklanders really don't show up to sports as much as other places.

what a ridiculous thing to say, the Warriors get near capacity crowds most weeks - their fans are easily some of the most passionate and dedicated fans - I think they average something like 12,000 most seasons. Any a-lague team would be happy if they could average that over a 25 year history

See, this is why I think Auckland A-League should be looking at a joint venture with the Warriors

As for the debate above around rivalry, the last thing we want is a Rangers v Celtic rivalry, i.e. one based on actual ethno-religious hatred which spills over into murderous violence. I know Wellingtonians hate JAFAs but you don't actually want to burn us out of our houses, I think

How is averaging 12,000 in a stadium that holds 30,000 "near capacity"? And in a city of 1.5 million people where it is supposedly the biggest sport thats not exactly fantastic attendance. 

Anyway that's all besides the point. Sure Wellingtonians don't hate Auckland like some of the crazy rivalrys in Europe, it will never be like that it's not the kiwi way, but I do think there's great potential for a rivalry. Surely if it's built up right there's the possibility of near capacity crowds for that fixture if it comes to pass. Could be great for the Nix.

Hope it happens, hope Auckland loses every game to the Nix forever and always.

Monto

How is averaging 12,000 in a stadium that holds 30,000 "near capacity"? And in a city of 1.5 million people where it is supposedly the biggest sport thats not exactly fantastic attendance. 

Anyway that's all besides the point. Sure Wellingtonians don't hate Auckland like some of the crazy rivalrys in Europe, it will never be like that it's not the kiwi way, but I do think there's great potential for a rivalry. Surely if it's built up right there's the possibility of near capacity crowds for that fixture if it comes to pass. Could be great for the Nix.

Hope it happens, hope Auckland loses every game to the Nix forever and always.

The last bit is how I feel. As a relative newbie to WLG, I needed something to dislike and AKL fits the bill nicely (thanks). I'll never despise them like I do Rangers/ Celtic or even to a lesser degree Hearts / Hibs / Dundee utd. Nowhere near possible. I reserve that for the airport ;)

It is fair to say that the 12k is their base support. Same as the Nix’s would be around 5k.

The warriors have been sharke for a long long time. If they were in the playoff territory like the nix, they would average 20 easy.

I would expect the new Auckland teams base to eventually be around 5k as well. If however they do well initially potentially 8.

They do however have the capacity to draw big once offs, at eden park for the Wellington derby and if they really hit their straps and get buy in. 

Monto

How is averaging 12,000 in a stadium that holds 30,000 "near capacity"? And in a city of 1.5 million people where it is supposedly the biggest sport thats not exactly fantastic attendance. 

Anyway that's all besides the point. Sure Wellingtonians don't hate Auckland like some of the crazy rivalrys in Europe, it will never be like that it's not the kiwi way, but I do think there's great potential for a rivalry. Surely if it's built up right there's the possibility of near capacity crowds for that fixture if it comes to pass. Could be great for the Nix.

Hope it happens, hope Auckland loses every game to the Nix forever and always.

AucklandPhoenix

It is fair to say that the 12k is their base support. Same as the Nix’s would be around 5k.

The warriors have been sharke for a long long time. If they were in the playoff territory like the nix, they would average 20 easy.

I would expect the new Auckland teams base to eventually be around 5k as well. If however they do well initially potentially 8

Monto

How is averaging 12,000 in a stadium that holds 30,000 "near capacity"? And in a city of 1.5 million people where it is supposedly the biggest sport thats not exactly fantastic attendance. 

Anyway that's all besides the point. Sure Wellingtonians don't hate Auckland like some of the crazy rivalrys in Europe, it will never be like that it's not the kiwi way, but I do think there's great potential for a rivalry. Surely if it's built up right there's the possibility of near capacity crowds for that fixture if it comes to pass. Could be great for the Nix.

Hope it happens, hope Auckland loses every game to the Nix forever and always.

I agree, around 8 would definitely be their range. Potential to have have very good turn out in games against the Nix too. The question is wether that's enough to attract the investors to stump up 25 million.

It really is an absurd price for a team in a league that's going backwards. Surely no one's going to pay that.

AucklandPhoenix

coochiee

Is there any other country in the world, as hung up with per capita stats as NZ?
I think not.

Scotland love per capita stats. Especially re: crowds for football.