Galaxy boss likes what he sees
LA Galaxy assistant general manager Tom Payne, in Wellington to tour key facilities ahead of his club’s match against Wellington Phoenix FC, says he’s impressed by the venue for the historic fixture.
The Galaxy, featuring star signing David Beckham, take on the Phoenix at Westpac Stadium on December 1.
Payne said Westpac Stadium was a superb venue that would be perfect for what is shaping as the biggest football event to hit New Zealand.
“It’s beautiful, the pitch is wonderful and the stadium is right about the right size. We don’t believe it behooves a team to play in a 70,000-seat stadium, it’s not the best scenario. This stadium looks wonderful and we’re hoping that every single seat will be full, that’s for sure.”
While the Galaxy has a playing roster packed with stars, including United States representatives Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones and former Portugal international Abel Xavier, it is Beckham who will be the major drawcard.
“I think David transcends sport to the extent that almost nobody else does,” Payne said. “He’s a great spokesman for our sport because he cares about our sport.”
Payne said the England megastar was eager to come down-under, with the December 1 match against the Phoenix in Wellington following the Galaxy’s clash with Sydney FC in Sydney on November 27.
“He’s never been to either country and he’s really looking forward to it. He actually wants to play games and he needs games because he’s looking forward to playing for England again, so the more games he gets the better.”
Beckham was close to full fitness, Payne said.
“We played a really big game, our final game of the (Major League Soccer) season against Chicago, and he did great – he looked wonderful. He’s really getting himself ready because he’s hoping England call him back in.”
The Galaxy will arrive in Wellington on November 29 and will stay in the capital till December 3. Wellington Phoenix FC is still working through details regarding public appearances by Beckham and his Galaxy teammates.
Tickets for the match are continuing to sell well, with more than 25,000 snapped up already. It is expected that the match will be a sellout, with 34,000 people tipped to be at Westpac Stadium to be part of footballing history.
The price of the Phoenix-Galaxy ticket also includes entry to the Phoenix’s Hyundai A-League 2007/08 round 15 match against Adelaide United on Friday, November 30, making for a bumper weekend of football in the capital.
Gold tickets for Wellington Phoenix season members cost $82 and silver tickets $65. There are no concession (senior citizens/children) rates for gold tickets, but there is a concession for silver tickets, valued at $42.
Ticket prices for adult non-Phoenix members start at $82.50 for silver seating, up to $100 for a gold section seat. Again, there is no concession rate for gold section seating, but silver tickets for children and senior citizens will cost $50 each.
Tickets are on sale through Ticketek, phone (04)384-2457, and can be purchased via Ticketek agencies, call centres and online.
Wellington Phoenix v LA Galaxy
Saturday, December 1
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kickoff: 7.15pm
Live television coverage on TV One from 7pm