NEWS RELEASE 6 July 2007

Upgraded Newtown Park hosts Phoenix this Sunday - come and have a look around

Newtown Park - in the midst of a $3.6 million upgrade - plays host to a Wellington Phoenix FC training session this Sunday 8 July from 1pm. And Wellington sports fans are welcome to come along and have a look.

The main grandstand is being transformed, the number 2 pitch is being widened and improved - and an extension to the grandstand has been completed. The City Council's Recreation Portfolio Leader, Cr John Morrison, says Sunday offers interested members of the public the chance to see the improvements and meet the Phoenix squad.

The Phoenix will make their Hyundai A League debut next month in what Cr Morrison says is the biggest development in New Zealand football "since Spain in 1982".

On Sunday Phoenix captain Ross Aloisi, coach Ricki Herbert, club owner Terry Serepisos and the playing staff will be on hand to sign autographs and have a yarn with fans after the squad's done some serious training on the Champagne turf of the Newtown 1 pitch.

The afternoon also offers a chance for Wellingtonians to check out the City Council's $3.6 million upgrade of the park. The main features:

* The 35-year-old main grandstand is being extensively upgraded - with new changing rooms and other facilities required for international-level football and athletics.

* The number 2 ground is being expanded and upgraded. The pitch, which has often been reduced to a bog in winter, will have extensive drainage and be 8 metres wider. Next year it will be ready to serve as a permanent training base for the Phoenix.

* The new 270 square-metre grandstand extension will be available for year-round use by athletics, football, schools, and the wider community. The building also serves as clubrooms for Wellington United FC. With a façade of sliding glass doors, the building offers panoramic views of the park. It also boasts greatly-improved kitchen facilities.

City Council project manager Glenn McGovern says the upgrade follows the installation of an $800,000 synthetic running track in 2002. "By the end of the year Newtown Park will be a facility that'll be attractive to top-level athletes, footballers and spectators alike," says Glenn.

On Sunday the new grandstand extension will be open and there'll be refreshments on sale.

ENDS

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