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Football fever hits Wellington this weekend

Football fever hits Wellington this weekend


This weekend Wellington welcomes football fans from across the world and around the country when the Football United Tour rolls into town.

On Saturday, Wellington Phoenix host an historic double-header at Westpac Stadium with the Phoenix playing Newcastle United and Sydney FC playing West Ham. Gates open at noon.
Wellington’s Acting Mayor, Justin Lester, fancies the Phoenix’s chances against Newcastle.

“It’s going to be a brilliant day of football and I hope the Phoenix can repeat the heroics they displayed in their outstanding win against West Ham.

“It’s a great opportunity for talented locals like Louis Fenton and Tyler Boyd to see first-hand how they compare with Newcastle and West Ham. I’m also looking forward to seeing the extra flair and pace on display, and that’s just from Ben Sigmund. Hopefully the Premier League sides can keep up.”

Following the Phoenix’s brilliant win over West Ham in Auckland last night, what remaining tickets left are expected to be snapped up.

“It’ll be close to a sell-out and with around 10,000 people from out of town expected, the city’s hotels, restaurants and bars are gearing up for a very busy weekend,” says Councillor Lester.

Tomorrow (Friday) at 1pm there will be an official welcome at Midland Park for the four teams, where four players from each team will be greeted by Cr Lester.

“This will be a good chance for football-mad fans to get up close and get a selfie or an autograph with four members of each team.”

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After the coldest week for the capital this year, Saturday is meant to be fine although there is a possibility of some showers with an evening southerly change.

“I would certainly advise people going to the matches to rug up warm and to also bring a rain jacket just in case. Also to cut down on traffic congestion, people should head to the game earlier and either walk along our beautiful waterfront or catch public transport.”

The following roads will be closed on Saturday for the games at Westpac Stadium.

• Bunny Street will be closed to through traffic from 12 noon–8pm between Featherston and Stout streets and Waterloo Quay. Apart from vehicles going to and from the railway station, there will be no right turn from Waterloo Quay or Stout Street into Bunny Street, and no left turn from Featherston Street.

• Thorndon Quay will be closed from Davis Street through to Featherston, Stout and Whitmore streets.

• Mulgrave Street will be closed from Thorndon Quay to Pipitea Street.

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