I heard, before the new a-league franchise was confirmed, that the
people at nzsoccer were considering letting the team play all over
the country (e.g. in Wellington,Auckland,Hamilton,Christchurch and
Dunedin), but now that its called Wellington Phoenix i am assuming
that they will just stay in Wellington. Living in Christchurch
myself, I would desperately want to see them play down here but i
still might fly up to Welly 4 the opening game.
Does anybody know if the games are going to be spread around the country???
Does anybody know if the games are going to be spread around the country???
They have stated that a Pre-Season game or two may go to Palmy or
Napier but all regular season games will be in Wellington, at least
for the first season.
They have stated that a Pre-Season game or two may go to Palmy or
Napier but all regular season games will be in Wellington, at least
for the first season.
Great - we want them for ourselves!!!
They have stated that a Pre-Season game or two may go to Palmy or
Napier but all regular season games will be in Wellington, at least
for the first season.
smart choice, you would have a hard time creating both a home ground atmosphere and an advantage if you were moveing around like a circus all the time.
Cost would be a major factor as well...
As much as I'd love some games in Auckwacker, the team needs to be
centred in one spot. They're going to be starting behind the 8 Ball
so gonna need good loyal local support especially if they get a run
of results that don't go their way early on.
Hey News, avatar and footer look superb - fly the flag.
I agree that the team should play out of Wellington but there is
some merit in having games around the country, especially if the
nation takes the team to their hearts - which I really hope they
do.
As Hard News said a first season at Wellington is essential but after that you never know what might happen. Let hope we get successful enough to justify games elsewhere.
As Hard News said a first season at Wellington is essential but after that you never know what might happen. Let hope we get successful enough to justify games elsewhere.
Must play at one home ground WELLINGTON, to gain an identity
and hopefully a home support advantage, made by the regular
supporters.
I agree Skaman. When The Palmy guys came into the bid and
suggested doing the Tiki Tour thing, I actually prefered the
Auckland bid to succeed because the team needs home support.
Playing some pre season friendlies against NZFL teams away from
home would be a good idea though.
Yeah, it would be a good idea to spread their preseason home games,
but definitely not regular season games. Eg, QLD Roar has all games
at Suncorp even though they are supposedly representing the whole
of QLD, but in the Pre-Season they played games at Gold Coast etc.
I agree they should stick with Wellington for the regular season at
least for this season.
Maybe if they are doing ok next season they could give a game
to another city.
They should but only to places close to wellington like palmewrston
north.
All games in Wellington except pre-season.
Its hard to build a solid fan base if you keep moving games
around. Also stuffs up the worth of season tickets. Plus for purely
selfish reasons I geting sick of running all round the country
supporting our professional team.
A dog with a bone :)
You might find both pre-season games at the Basin..
Founder
dunno but i certainly hope not, they are called the
Wellington Phoenix after all!
basin's great for cricket but football never gonna happen
(hopefully)
Keep the home games in Wellington and build up support. No reason
why national interest can't be maintained. It is similar to the 3
Welsh team playing in the English leagues. Their news is broadcast
and followed around Wales but they do not travel around for home
games. Pre-season warm-ups can be used as a promotional tool in the
"provinces".
It pisses me off to see teams playing in Ozzie competitions
under the "NZ" name but play all the home games in Auckland. At
least with Wellington Phoenix it is clear who they
should represent.
Keep the home games in Wellington and build up support. No reason
why national interest can't be maintained. It is similar to the 3
Welsh team playing in the English leagues. Their news is broadcast
and followed around Wales but they do not travel around for home
games. Pre-season warm-ups can be used as a promotional tool in the
"provinces".
It pisses me off to see teams playing in Ozzie competitions
under the "NZ" name but play all the home games in Auckland. At
least with Wellington Phoenix it is clear who they
should represent.
It's nothing like the Welsh teams playing in England. They are real teams from real places. Phoenix are a made up team, strictly speaking they don't represent anyone other than the franchise. Phoenix are not from Wellington they are based there. It is that simple.
This problem, has already reared its ugly head on this very forum. With fand from Auckland & Wellington bitching amongst themselves, before a ball has even been kicked.
Whether you like it or not Phoenix DO represent the whole NZ.
Whether you like it or not Phoenix DO represent the whole NZ.
Yes, this is correct. In the absence of another NZ based team,
and in the absence of a professional league here in NZ, the Phoenix
do represent all NZers. It just so happens that they are based in
WGTN so they take the Wellington name. The name doesn't mean
everything though. Just look at Team NZ. . . . what a joke.
Having the team travel will make it hard to keep the atmosphere and
those who wanted season tickets would have to travel making it a
pain in the ass...
Wellington Pheonix should stay in Wellington.
Having the team travel will make it hard to keep the atmosphere and
those who wanted season tickets would have to travel making it a
pain in the ass...
Wellington Pheonix should stay in Wellington.
It's not just atmosphere it's ticket sales. Season tickets are
good way to lock in cash - wont get that if you flit around. After
that you need to draw on less financially commited regulars who
identify with the team - difficult to get that if you only play
there every few months. If the Phoenix don't make financial sense
then they will disappear. With games on Sky it will be difficult
enough to get crowds as it is. They will do well to average 10,000
in the first season.
I was disappointed that the Knights postponed their game in CHCH
even though it was only a pre-season game. hopefully the phoenix
can come down in the near future.
I DO think that the Pheonix should travel around NZ, but i think
all season games should be played in the Capital and maybe some
games here or there (EXHIBITION) down south and up north.