Summer starts early when Auckland FC returns to Go Media Stadium for their opening match against Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday, October 25, kicking off at everyone’s favourite start time of 5pm.
Single-match tickets for this game, and all games, are now officially on sale ahead of a season that promises more inflatables, more fun, more drama, and more unforgettable memories ready to be made.
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker says the club is expecting a big crowd for the opening home match, with the Black Knights aiming to go one better than last year’s historic season when they clinched the Premier’s Plate but fell just short of the championship title.
“It has been a long off-season, but we’re back and ready to unite Auckland once again with the best entertainment experience in the city,” says Becker.
“We’ve spent the winter looking at how we can improve the fan experience, particularly for those families who come to games to enjoy the atmosphere and activities off the field as much as the action and drama on it.
“We’re creating a new tailgating area; inviting fans to get together to cook and socialise for a few hours before each game. It will also be the best place to get player signatures.”
The tailgating experience will include up to eight barbecues, a DJ, garden games, picnic tables and car parking.
“It is a very popular concept in America, but for some reason one we don’t do here,” says Becker, “we’re going to change that.”
Additional improvements include:
- A new inflatable obstacle course in the Family Fan Zone
- The introduction of Tama, the Auckland FC mascot
- An enhanced food and beverage offering in the Black Knight Lounge
More details on all these improvements will be released soon.
Old favourites will be making a return, best of all the 25metre slide, loved by kids big and small.
The Black Knights will play 26 matches across the campaign, 13 home and 13 away, as the club prepares to build on a landmark debut campaign that saw over 260,000 through the gates, three sold-out matches and one Premiers Plate secured.
With seven home games locked in for the fan favourite time slot of Saturday 5pm, fans can once again look forward to warm summer afternoons, activities for the kids, and plenty of entertaining football.
Unusually, this year also features a Saturday 3pm kick-off. Sticking with the unusual, and in an improvement on last season, there are four Sunday games all scheduled for the earlier 3pm kick-off time, ideal for families looking for entertainment both on and off the field.
That leaves just one fixture, a now traditional New Year’s Day game, this time against Newcastle Jets with a 5pm kick-off.
Tickets for all these games, including the derby against the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, December 6, are now on sale.
“We had more than 260,000 people through the gates at Go Media Stadium last season,” says Becker.
“As a club we’re focused on doing everything we can to improve on that number this season. We’re going to win on the field, and we’re determined to win off it.”
The club has also moved to make group ticketing easier with a new platform suited to schools, clubs and businesses keen to purchase large numbers of tickets.
The platform allows groups to secure seats together while enabling each person to pay individually. So, no more chasing payments or distributing tickets left to one person — everyone can purchase directly and enjoy the match side by side. To learn more and set up your group get in touch with our ticketing team.
Key Ticket Links:
For more information or to purchase Group Tickets, click here.
For Information or to purchase Single Match Suites, click here.
For Information or to purchase Tickets in the Black Knight Club, click here.
Single Match Tickets are available here.
Key Fixtures:
- First game of the season: Saturday, 18 October vs. Melbourne Victory
- Home Opener: Saturday, 25 October vs. Western Sydney Wanderers (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
- The Kiwi Derby: Saturday, 6 December vs. Wellington Phoenix (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
- New Year’s Day Detox: Thursday, 1 January vs. Newcastle Jets (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
- Champions vs. Premiers: Saturday, 28 February vs. Melbourne City (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
- Semi-Final Home Rematch: Saturday, 11 April vs. Melbourne Victory (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
The best way to guarantee your seat at every home game is by becoming an Auckland FC Member. From derby days to summer blockbusters, do not miss a moment secure your membership today and be part of the action all season long.
The full season fixture list is available here.
