The Wellington Phoenix will play 10 home games at Sky Stadium in Wellington next season of the A-League Men, having played there only twice since March 2020.
But they will take one to Wollongong, their temporary home during the 2020-21 season, and two elsewhere in New Zealand, most likely Auckland.
The draw for the 2022-23 A-League Men season was announced on Thursday, with the first of 26 regular season rounds starting October 7 and the grand final on May 27.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX
New Wellington Phoenix signing Bozhidar Kraev speaks with reporters.
The Phoenix’s first home game will be against Adelaide United at Sky Stadium on Sunday, October 9th, starting at 3pm.
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The family-friendly kick-off time has been set for all 12 of the team’s games on New Zealand soil.
The following Sunday, a second home game, against the Central Coast Mariners, is on the line on Sunday, with two more, against Macarthur FC and defending champions Western United, before the league takes three weekends off while the World Cup is played in Qatar. .
The Phoenix’s first home game after action resumes on December 9 will be at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on December 10 against Western Sydney Wanderers – in honor of a pledge made when the city south of Sydney hosted Phoenix teams while Covid-19 border restrictions were in place.
Matches against the Mariners on January 22, Perth Glory on January 28 and the Newcastle Jets on March 4 have no venues listed at this stage, although one of them will be played in Wellington.
A potentially worrisome quirk of the draw is that the Phoenix will play nine of their first 14 regular season games at home (including those in Wollongong), and therefore have eight of their last 12 on the road.
“The club are very excited about returning home for a full season after so many years of absence,” general manager David Dome said in a statement.
“Members and fans have supported us so much over the past three difficult seasons and we want to repay their trust.
“Together with our partners, we’re looking at some really cool initiatives this season that we can’t wait to get to fans and members alike – starting with season ticket renewals starting this Monday.
“Looking at the team Ufuk is putting together and what they look like in pre-season, we will be a challenge at the pointed end of the season.
“I can’t remember a season I’ve looked forward to so much.”
The Phoenix men will play in the Australia Cup next Wednesday, taking on Tasmanian club Devonport City Strikers in the round of 32.
Wellington Phoenix – 2022-23 A-League Men matches
All NZ time
Sunday 9 October 3:00 PM: against Adelaide United; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Sunday October 16, 3 p.m.: v Central Coast Mariners; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Saturday, October 22, 7 p.m.: at Newcastle Jets
Sunday, October 30, 7 p.m.: in Melbourne City
Sunday, November 6, 3 p.m.: against Macarthur FC; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Sunday 13 November, 3 p.m.: v Western United; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Saturday, December 10, 7 p.m.: against Western Sydney Wanderers; WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Saturday December 17, 3 p.m.: against Adelaide United; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Friday December 23, 9.45 pm: in Perth Glory
Monday, January 2, 3 p.m.: v Melbourne City; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Saturday, January 7, 7 p.m.: at Sydney FC
Saturday, January 14, 7 p.m.: at Brisbane Roar
Sunday, January 22, 3 p.m.: v Central Coast Mariners; TB
Saturday 28 January, 3 p.m.: v Perth Glory; TB
Friday 3 February, 9.45 pm: at Melbourne Victory
Sunday 12 February, 7 p.m.: at Macarthur FC
Friday 17 February, 9.45 pm: at Western United
Friday 24 February, 9.45 pm: at Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, March 4, 3 p.m.: against Newcastle Jets; TB
Sunday 12 March, 3 p.m.: at Sydney FC; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Friday 17 March, 9.45 pm: at Adelaide United
Saturday, April 1, 3 p.m.: against Melbourne Victory; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Monday April 10, 6 p.m.: in Melbourne City
Sunday 16 April, 3 p.m.: v Brisbane Roar; Sky Stadium, Wellington
Friday 21 April, 9.45 pm: at Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday, April 30, 7 p.m.: at Macarthur FC