|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is welcoming one of the world’s most iconic football teams to Auckland later this year as part of the New Zealand International Football Festival.
Tottenham Hotspur, of London, England, will play against Auckland FC at Eden Park on July 26, with other announcements for the festival coming.
Brown is known as a passionate supporter of Auckland FC and is excited to see them go up against one of the most well-known teams from Europe.
“Auckland FC have done wonders for football in the city since the club came into existence two years ago,” he says.
“Their chief executive, Nick Becker and his team have created a loyal and passionate fan base from nothing. It’s been fantastic to see so many people regularly turn up to their games at Go Media Stadium.
“Tottenham Hotspur are known as a team that always tries to play attractive football, so hopefully it will be a great game at Eden Park.”
Brown says it will provide a winter boost to the Auckland economy, a time when traditionally there are fewer international events in the city.
“This will help fill hotels, restaurants and bars and show Auckland off as a vibrant, world-class destination.
“This is exactly the kind of activity we want more of and if we had a bed-night levy we could regularly bring the world’s best football teams to Auckland.”
Becker says this will be a huge occasion for the club, for football in this country, and Auckland FC fans.
“We haven’t had a club of this size in New Zealand for over 10 years. Now clubs like Tottenham are seeing what we’re doing over here, the growth of football and our passionate fanbase and wanting to get involved.
“It’s going to be fantastic event for Auckland and a great chance for some of our squad to really test themselves against top-class players.
“Whatever happens to Tottenham this season they remain an incredibly high-profile team with a worldwide fan base, and we’re delighted to have them here in Auckland with us.”
Auckland Council Events, through Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, has supported the event alongside support from the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill says: “We’re proud to be helping bring an event like this to Auckland, with Tottenham Hotspur taking on our own Auckland FC.
“It’s shaping up to be a great week of football and activity across the city, giving fans plenty of reasons to get involved and be part of the atmosphere.
“We’re expecting around 27,000 visitor nights and a $3m boost to the regional economy, which is a strong result for Auckland over winter.
“Just as importantly, it’s about the energy these events create and a chance to show Auckland at its best on the international stage.”
