Beaches, a Ferris wheel, the famous inflatable slide, and family fun in the sun, are all set to return to Go Media Stadium when Auckland FC kicks off for season two.
Just like last season, we contine our work to ensure the entertainment is a good off the pitch as it is on it, with a heap of new innovations and match day themes – including a couple of big ones starting with the first home game of the season on Saturday, October 25.
Below we outline what fans can expect around the ground at each match day, with the club determined to live up to its billing as Auckland’s most entertaining day out.
NEW TAILGATING AREA
Auckland FC is bringing the tailgate to New Zealand. This new area, located in the Supertop car park and close to Lilyworld, will feature DJs, mini-football, picnic tables, garden games, fully stocked bars and barbeques for fans to use. Opening at 12pm and including a parking spot, it promises to bring a pre-game atmosphere to every match.
Bring you meat, your mates, your marquees and you camping chairs, and settle in for the AFC Tailgate. Best of all, it will be right beside where the players arrive, giving fans the perfect opportunity to high five the players as they enter the stadium. For more on the AFC Tailgate and to book your spot click here.
MORE INFLATABLES
Off-the-field, the Black Knights star signing last season was undoubtably the 25-metre inflatable slide. The slide will be returning, and this season comes with a new strike partner – a colossal 20-metre-long AFC branded inflatable obstacle course. This is expected to be a huge hit with kids, and together the slide will provide hours of fun. Ideal for parents who want to get on with enjoying the football or having a drink at the bar.
IT’S TĀMA TIME
Our new mascot, designed by 11-year-old Agnes, will make its debut at our first home game. Tāma the Kingfisher was selected after a public vote that received more than 800 submissions. It was the biggest public debate since the flag referendum. Cone-rad fans may feel slightly aggrieved, but Auckland is more than just road-cones (honest) and Agnes’ design was incredible. Tāma will be around for photos and mischief from 3:30pm ahead of a grand unveiling just before kick-off.
CARNIVAL ROLLS IN FOR ROUND 3
Fans of last season’s carnival theme won’t have to wait long. The Ferris wheel returns for the second home game of the season against Adelaide United on November 1. Fans can expect additional carnival games, a fun house, and maybe a touch of the spooky, with Halloween being the day before.
The Ferris Wheel was a huge hit last year, with some even choosing to watch the entire game from the carts, going round-and-round-and-round.
THE BEACH IS BACK
One of the most popular themes from last season were the three games that featured an enormous beach, complete with buckets and spades. The sun and sand arrive at the stadium at the end of January for the games against Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC.
OLD FAVOURITES RETURN
Many of the elements that made last season such a success return to the Family Fan Zone. Every match with feature an ANZ football target game, a face painter as well as Anchor’s milk and cookie caravan. Most games will also include the Anchor Hunger Ball and a Maccas mini-football pitch, giving families plenty to keep the kids entertained as soon as gates open 90-minutes before kick-off.
Father Christmas and his elves will also be making an early appearance on Sunday, November 30 when the team walk out against Newcastle Jets.
THE SPECIAL ONE(S)
Although still to be confirmed, the club are keeping a few more surprises up their sleeve, expect a bucking bronco, a dunk tank and much more.
Get you tickets to our opening game and all Auckland FC games here.
