Wellington Phoenix arriving at Wellington Airport. Photo / Jack Crossland
Wellington Phoenix arriving at Wellington Airport. Photo / Jack Crossland
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.
Fanswere encouraged to meet the team for a homecoming welcome, including a pōwhiri by local iwi.
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 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.