The Wellington Phoenix team have returned home for the first time in months.
The Phoenix have been based in Australia for the A-League football season due to the Covid-19 pandemic and haven't been home since November.
That all changed when they touched down at Wellington Airport at 2.30pm today.
Fans were encouraged to meet the team for a homecoming welcome, including a pōwhiri by local iwi.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.The Phoenix play their first home game in 433 days on Saturday when they face Western United at Sky Stadium, followed by a match against Perth Glory at Eden Park on May 30.
The two regular season games in New Zealand are able to go ahead thanks to the opening on the transtasman bubble.
Read More
- Football: Independent Match Review Panel to investigate Wellington Phoenix star's goal celebrat...
- Football: Wellington Phoenix draw with Melbourne City in A-League - NZ Herald
- Football: Wellington Phoenix into A-League top six with dramatic 97th-minute winner over Adelai...
- Football: Wellington Phoenix miss A-League opportunity in 0-0 draw with Brisbane Roar - NZ Hera...
Phoenix general manager David Dome said earlier they were really looking forward to welcoming the team ahead of the big game.
Dome said they're also hoping to get a big crowd to the match which is the only game in Wellington this season.
"The ticket sales are excellent; we need people to buy because it is the only chance [to see the game in Wellington] and the team deserve the support from the local community."
Organisers are hoping to attract at least 15,000 fans to each game, with the ultimate goal of beating the A-League attendance record of the season which sits at 20,336.
Dome said if they continue to sell like they have been it'll be north of 20,000.
