Wellington Phoenix Face-off this Winter Festival

14 May 2009 - Sophie

The Queenstown Events Centre is set to tackle A-league football, when it hosts the Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory in a pre-season match during the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival.

It’s a first for all involved – organisers are thrilled that they can now can add football to the list of international sporting events held at the Events Centre, this being the Phoenix’s South Island debut and sure to be a Winter Festival highlight.

The atmosphere promises to be electric with Wellington Phoenix supporters (dubbed the “Yellow Fever”) tipped to take over the grandstand at what must surely be one of the most scenic football pitches in the world.

Lakes Leisure Event Manager, Karen Gemmell, says spectators are expected to arrive from Central Otago, Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington.

“We’re delighted that the Queenstown Event Centre is able to host yet another high profile sporting event in the region, with all its associated spin-offs for the town”.

With plenty of Australians in town for the Festival, the match will have universal appeal for both locals and visitors.

The community’s youth is also expected to benefit with planning underway for a sporting clinic on Friday June 26. Primary children and high school students will have an opportunity to participate in a special session with the Phoenix who will take them through their paces and provide plenty of tips.

The match will kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday June 27.

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival Director Sally Feinerman says the match will be an exciting opportunity to see two of the A-League’s top teams go head to head.

“I’m sure trans-Tasman rivalry will ensure a good, tight match with plenty of vocal support from both sides.”

Tickets for this fantastic event go on sale Monday 18 May and will be available through TicketDirect at the Queenstown Events Centre, i-Site or by phoning 03 450 9005.

Winter Starts Here! The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival June 26 – July 5 2009, celebrating 35 years of winter fun with 10 days of totally outrageous and uniquely Queenstown events. Become a Friend of Festival and be the first with all the latest news and hot updates.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Lakes Leisure
Karen Gemmell – Events Manager
Phone: 03 450 9105 / 0272 451 535
Email:karen@lakesleisure.co.nz

Queenstown Winter Festival
Gizelle Regan – Media Liaison
Phone: 027 279 4808
Email: media@winterfestival.co.nz