Released 25/07/2017
I was delighted to join the Mayor of Wellington Ms Celia Wade-Brown to announce that the ACT Government will support the hosting of a Hyundai A-League football clash between the Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix at GIO Stadium.
The announcement is further evidence of the strong relationship that is developing between the capital cities of Australia and New Zealand in the lead up to direct international flights that will link the cities later this year.
There are a number of opportunities for economic and cultural exchange when direct international flights connect Canberra and Wellington from September. We have already announced that the Australian cricket team will face New Zealand later this year at Manuka Oval, with New Zealand fans able to travel directly to Canberra to watch the match and enjoy our city in the summer months.
Mayor Wade-Brown, who is currently visiting the territory, was delighted to see further links developing between Wellington and Canberra.
“The Anzac capitals have much in common,” says Mayor Wade-Brown. The best city relationships have connections on every level - economic, political, tourism, environmental, cultural and sporting.”
“This game is an excellent opportunity for Wellingtonians and Phoenix fans to take the Singapore Airlines direct flights across the ditch to Canberra to see the match. They can enjoy a weekend in Australia’s capital, which has so much to offer in the way of museums, galleries, outdoor activities and shopping.”
Canberrans have demonstrated an appetite for elite sports in recent years, including football. The strong crowds at Canberra Stadium for the Asian Cup matches, including two sell out games, as well as the big crowd that turned out for the recent Socceroo’s World Cup qualifier is evidence that Canberrans want to see more elite football in the capital.
I’m delighted that the Central Coast Mariners have partnered with the ACT Government to bring this clash to Canberra, and I hope to see many more A-League games in Canberra over the coming years.
Capital Football President Mark O’Neill said hosting a Hyundai A-League match in Canberra will have a range of benefits for football in Canberra.
“Strong support for the match and a great attendance by football fans across Canberra and the Region will demonstrate how we can support the A-League,” Mr O’Neill said.
“This match presents a significant opportunity for Capital Football to develop relationships and continue to grow our future prospects of bringing the A-League to Canberra on a regular basis.”
Central Coast Mariners Chief Executive Shaun Mielekamp said he was excited to re-affirm the Club’s relationship with Canberra in bringing the Hyundai A-League to the ACT.
“The Central Coast Mariners are very proud to be partnering with the ACT Government and Capital football to host a match in Canberra,” Mr Mielekamp said.
“We see this is a first step towards forming a long term strategic partnership with the region.
“It is great to return to Canberra with a full flight Hyundai A-League match and we are committed to doing as much as we can in the lead up to help community football grow and our partnership with Capital Football will help us achieve this.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases