Phoenix to play Boca Juniors in Wellington
Wellington Phoenix FC will clash with Argentinian giants Club Atletico Boca Juniors at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday, July 23.
The South American superclub will make the trip to New Zealand for the first time in its long and illustrious history as part of an Australasian tour that will also see it play the Phoenix’s fellow Hyundai A-League club Melbourne Victory.
Boasting superstars such as Juan Roman Riquelme and Martin Palermo, “La Azul y Oro” (Boca Juniors nickname, based on the team’s colours of blue and gold) has won 18 international titles – a record matched only by Italian giants AC Milan.
“Boca Juniors is one of the world’s top clubs and we’re excited by the prospect of the Phoenix taking on a team of such high calibre at Westpac Stadium on July 23,” said Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity for fans to see some of the world’s best players in action and will be a tremendous hit-out for the Phoenix as we head into the competition season.”
The Phoenix are riding high after a stellar Hyundai A-League 2009/10 campaign that saw them draw massive crowds at Westpac Stadium and go within one match of the Grand Final.
“Football is on a huge high in New Zealand as a result of the All Whites’ qualification for the 2010 World Cup and our successful 2009/10 season. We at the Phoenix want to see that high continue now and long-term and this match against Boca Juniors is testament to that ambition.”
Boca Juniors’ Australasian tour has been arranged by MP & Silva, a Singapore-based international sports media agency.
“Boca Juniors is undoubtedly one of the world’s premier football clubs, so needless to say we are very excited to bring a team of Boca’s stature to play matches in Australasia for the first time in the club’s illustrious 105-year history,” said MP & Silva chief executive Andrea Radrizzani.
“Following our successful tour with Juventus two years ago, we are also pleased to bring Boca Juniors to Wellington and the region once again, which will help to further consolidate and generate renewed interest in football in both New Zealand and Australia.”
MP & Silva is in discussions with companies, sponsors and partners regarding the tour and a detailed itinerary and details on ticketing for the Wellington match will be announced at a later date.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX v BOCA JUNIORS
- Date: July 23, 2010
- Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
- Kickoff: 7.30pm NZT
About MP & Silva:
MP & Silva is a leading international sports media company that owns, manages and distributes television and media rights to some of the most prestigious sporting events, including Italy’s top professional football league, Serie A. The company operates worldwide through eight offices located in Singapore, Dublin, Dubai, Milan, Miami, Tokyo, New York, and Monaco.
About Boca Juniors Football Club:
Founded in 1905, Club Atlético Boca Juniors is one of the most prestigious and successful football clubs in the world, having won a record-breaking 18 international titles – a feat that is only matched by Italian giants, AC Milan – and include six Copa Libertadores, two Intercontinental Cups, two Copa Sudamericanas, four Recopa Sudamericanas, one Supercopa Sudamericanas, one Copa de Oro / Nicolás Leoz, and one Supercopa Masters. For more information on Boca Juniors, please visit www.bocajuniors.com.ar.
About Wellington Phoenix Football Club:
As the only New Zealand-based side involved in the Hyundai A-League, Wellington Phoenix FC has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons – becoming the first-ever New Zealand side to reach the playoffs of the Hyundai A-League and drawing record attendances to its 2009/2010 season matches. For more information on Wellington Phoenix, please visit www.wellingtonphoenix.com.
About Boca Juniors Australasia Tour 2010:
Exclusively marketed, managed and promoted by international sports agency, MP & Silva, the Buenos Aires-based club will play matches in Melbourne, Australia on 16 July 2010, and Wellington, New Zealand on 23 July 2010. For more information on Boca Juniors Australasia Tour 2010, please direct your queries to MP & Silva at bocajuniortour2010@mpsilva.com.