NEWS RELEASE

30 July 2013

Hurrah! The English are coming!

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says it’s great news that England will play two matches in the Capital during ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

“Most Wellingtonians will have seen and heard the Barmy Army in action during recent England tours – and few will forget the impact of the 2005 British and Irish Lions Tour on the city.

“So summer 2015 is going to be huge fun – the England fans know how to party and have a good time – they’ll be coming to the right place.”

Mayor Wade-Brown says City Council events staff are already working on plans to make the England fans feel at home. “And that doesn’t mean we’re going to turn off the beer chillers and make it rain.”

She adds that the other teams and fans confirmed for the Capital – Sri Lanka and South Africa – will also be welcomed with open arms.

“We’ll have a great group of fans mixing it in the city – our aim is to show them a very good time.”

Wellington City is promising to 'hit one out of the park' when the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is staged in New Zealand and Australia, with the Capital being allocated a Quarter Final and three Pool Games in the premiere international 50 Over cricket tournament.

Mayor Wade-Brown says Wellington has all the attributes to provide an unbeatable experience for fans of the Cricket World Cup.

"As a city that loves cricket, Wellington welcomes the Cricket World Cup 2015 to the Capital," says Mayor Wade-Brown. "The Capital will be a great host for cricket fans. Wellingtonians love a good game of cricket regardless of who’s playing, our waterfront Stadium boasts excellent facilities in a great location and our compact and walkable city features marvellous hospitality.

"Wellington has proven time and again that we've got the experience, infrastructure and excitement to host major events, so cricket fans from all over the world will have a memorable time in the Capital.”

She adds that given the multi-million dollar economic benefits to the region of the likes of the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour and Rugby World Cup 2011, local businesspeople will also be pleased at the allocation of matches and teams to Wellington.

City Council Sports and Events Portfolio Leader and former test cricketer Councillor John Morrison adds that the Capital is in a perfect position to make a huge contribution to the Cricket World Cup.

The four matches at the Wellington Regional Stadium will be:

· England v New Zealand (D/N) – Friday 20 February

· England v Sri Lanka (D) – Sunday 1 March

· South Africa v Qualifier (Q4) (D/N) – Thursday 12 March

· Quarter Final (D/N) – Saturday 21 March.

Cr Morrison says: “Having England, South Africa, Sri Lanka – and New Zealand – playing at the Stadium is fantastic news – all of them are world-class teams.

“The Stadium is a magnificent ground and, regardless of who gets to play in the Capital, we’ll show them – and their fans - a good time.”

Cr Morrison says the City Council has worked closely with the ICC and New Zealand Cricket to ensure the Capital plays its full part in the tournament.

Shane Harmon, Chief Executive, Wellington Regional Stadium Trust, added: "We are thrilled with Wellington's match allocation. The calibre of matches will be exceptional and we are confident that they will be played in front of capacity crowds."

Speaking at the launch event, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Limited’s Head of New Zealand Therese Walsh said: "This is a once in a generation opportunity to see the best players and best teams going head to head in our back yard. Wellington was a star of the Rugby World Cup and we are working with the Council and local community to make this another great event for the city.”

ends

© Scoop Media