Football fever infects locals

LISTEN UP: Fifa U-20 World Cup mascot Wooliam will be visiting several local schools next week.PHOTO/ MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

World Cup football fever is beginning to make its presence felt throughout Whangarei.

As flags are flown and gardens tended in preparation for the Fifa U-20 World Cup's four matches in the city, organisers are pleased with the interest in the event from locals.

Fifa U-20 World Cup Northland sales and marketing manager, Mel Miller, says ticket sales are on track for the tournament, which kicks off on May 30.

"We're doing pretty well [and] shop windows are getting a bit of colour already," he said. "There's lots happening."

Miller says Whangarei, one of seven host cities, f has had the second highest ticket sales for the four games to be played at the Northland Events Centre (Toll Stadium), second only to Auckland.

As the clock ticks down towards the start of the competition many of the world's best young footballers are starting to arrive in New Zealand.

Whangarei will play host to Myanmar for two matches during the event with the team arriving shortly for their opening match against the USA on May 30.

Away from the football, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) is working with host cities across the country in guaranteeing a fan experience to match what's happening on the pitch.

All seven host cities will have a fan hub known as Fever Pitch, which has been designed to be an activation space that immerses visitors in the motion, energy and excitement of the tournament.

LOC chief executive Dave Beeche says Fever Pitch is an integral part of making the event a success.

"Fever Pitch is the home of the tournament in each host city, it will be open every day to people to find out more about the Fifa U-20 World Cup," Mr Beeche said.

"Run by each of the tournament host cities, Fever Pitch will host football demonstrations, performance and music and, of course, the ability to buy a ticket to the tournament."

The hubs would connect the public with the tournament and inform them about the "beautiful game", he said.

Whangarei's fan hub will be based at the Cameron St Mall and will open from May 28.