Football Fever – Show Your Pride With Auckland’s Ride

Auckland Transport is throwing its support behind Auckland FC as the Black Knights continue their charge to capture football’s A League crown in their inaugural season.

Having already claimed the Premiers’ Plate by finishing top of the table, Auckland hosts Melbourne Victory at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium at 6pm this Saturday May 24 in the second match of a home and away semifinal, with the winner booking a place in the Grand Final.

While Auckland won the first match 1-0 In Melbourne, the team will still need home fans to bring the noise this weekend and AT is coming to the party, offering free travel on buses and trains included in match tickets. Special Event buses will also be running from Albany, stopping at all Northern Busway stations before heading to the stadium.

Match ticket holders can simply show their ticket to the bus driver or train staff member when boarding and remember to keep their tickets for the ride home.

The Special Event bus drivers will be showing their support, being decked out in Auckland FC scarfs and there will be free face painting at Albany Bus Station and Waitematā (Britomart) and Newmarket train stations.

There will be a Soccer Shootout event at Britomart’s Te Komititanga Square to put your skills to the test and Pacific drummers playing outside Penrose Station to hype fans up on their way to the match.

AT Chief Executive Dean Kimpton says with more than 28,000 fans expected at Go Media Stadium, AT is pleased to be able to support them to get to the game efficiently and safely.

“As a fan of the Black Knights’ and their outstanding season, it’s been fantastic to enjoy the real buzz around the city and beyond they have brought to us. It’s going to be a big weekend for Auckland so we’re asking people to plan their trips ahead of time so they can travel smoothly,” Mr Kimpton says.

“Just like after all big events in Auckland and around the world there may be a bit of a wait while our team works hard to help get you home onboard our buses and trains.”

Fans of the oval ball will also be able to enjoy free travel on buses and trains included in match tickets and free face painting at Albany Bus Station for this weekend's Black Ferns clash with USA at North Harbour Stadium.

Notes:

• Bus and train travel is included in Auckland FC match tickets from 2pm (kick off @ 6pm) and Black Ferns match tickets from 12.30pm (kick off @ 3.35pm).
• Road closures will be in place during the Auckland FC match for Beasley Avenue, Maurice Road, O'Rourke Road, Station Road and Olive Road.
• There will be a bus stop closure and detours in streets surrounding Go Media Stadium for bus routes 66, 67A and 74.
• Standard fares apply for ferry travel.
• Further details - at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/event-transport

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