ahmad Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Hi everyone, my name is Ahmad and I'm the Chair of the Wellington Phoenix Club Supporters Group in Dunedin, New Zealand. This is a warm invitation to all Heart supporters to come and experience the Dunedin hospitality when your team takes on the Phoenix at one of the greatest football stadiums in Australasia - Forsyth Barr Stadium - on Sunday 3 March. This fully covered stadium seats you right up close to the action and the roof helps creates an amazing atmosphere with the crowd in full voice. If you or anyone you know of is travelling for the match or thinking about doing so, please feel free to get in touch with me for any local information, advice about accommodation/transport/activity options, or assistance with bookings. I can be contacted via email: dunedinphoenix (at) icloud (dot) com Or you can message me via the FaceBook for our Club Supporters page: https://www.facebook.com/DunedinPhoenixClubMembers We look forward to seeing you all in Dunedin, and lose, draw, or (gasp) win, I'm sure that we can help make it a very memorable and worthwhile road trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSK_47 Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thank mate. As much as I would love to travel over for this game (that stadium looks amazing!) sadly, my funds are insufficient. Hopefully some time in the future Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddy Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Strongly considering this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melburnian Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Considered. Thanks for the info mate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted January 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 No worries Always love having other fans around - it certainly lightens up the atmosphere (in a non-flare kind of a way!) There will be the inevitable pre- and post- match drinks happening of course, and I will post further details once finalised closer to the time. General information about Dunedin: University city with a population of approximately 110,000 (of which around 10,000 are students). Retains much of its Scottish heritage in historic buildings, etc. Easy walking distance within town so no car required for most visitors. Other attractions include natural wildlife tours, a chocolate factory (though production lines not accessible during weekends), and a BREWERY. More than happy to answer questions and give advice - I've lived here all my life and love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FB. Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Very tempted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dearne Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Im booked for this match!! Myself and my mum fly in on the wednesday before and fly out about a week after the game. I do know a couple of other people booked. So excited for it!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted January 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 (edited) Im booked for this match!! Myself and my mum fly in on the wednesday before and fly out about a week after the game. I do know a couple of other people booked. So excited for it!!! Are you on twitter? I'm @ahmadnz if you want to keep in touch closer to the time regarding activities going on for both teams, or do email me dunedinphoenix (at) icloud (dot) com Would love to organise something with you and your fellow supporters in the lead up to the match. Edited January 8, 2013 by ahmad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schrecky Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thinking about it, about $1000 at the moment for my family of 4 to fly to christchurch and back with AirNewzealand. Maybe take the scenic drive down to dunedin. You guys have to be friendlier than the welcome we got from the WSW fans Will decide in a day or 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartrate Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thanks for your hospitality, cant make that trip though its my 21st that day and having my party the night before. A win would make my day so much more special! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted January 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 (edited) Thinking about it, about $1000 at the moment for my family of 4 to fly to christchurch and back with AirNewzealand. Maybe take the scenic drive down to dunedin. You guys have to be friendlier than the welcome we got from the WSW fans Will decide in a day or 2 Would really love to have you along! Yellow Fever is definitely very family friendly. Drive from Christchurch to Dunedin is an easy 5 hour drive. 4.5 if you don't make any rest stops. 3.5 hours from Christchurch (and 1.5 hours short of Dunedin) is Oamaru - they have a great Little Blue Penguin colony where you will be guaranteed to see penguins if you are there around dusk. There are actually some reasonable accommodation options there too if you decided to sleep there for the night before heading for Dunedin. If you do decide to stop or stay in Oamaru I can highly recommend one of my favourite restaurants ever too! Winner of the national Cuisine Magazine restaurant of the year in the "Casual Dining" category: http://www.riverstonekitchen.co.nz Depending on your class of vehicle required, and length of rental period, budget for between $50-100 NZD per day for your vehicle (unlimited kms). Petrol here is currently around $2.13 NZD per litre. If I can make the prospect any more enticing please let me know and I'll do my best Edited January 8, 2013 by ahmad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeNoir Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Just FYI Jetstar has return flights to Dunedin for under $300 at the momement- fly in Friday, leave Monday. Tempting.... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melburnian Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Just FYI Jetstar has return flights to Dunedin for under $300 at the momement- fly in Friday, leave Monday. Tempting.... Hmmm even better! Thanks for the find! I may be going to this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted January 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Someone just asked me about accommodation in Dunedin and also how much they might need to set aside for the trip. Here's my reply: There are lots of decent places to stay in Dunedin and the price range starts at a very reasonable $30-40 per night for hostel type backpackers accommodation in dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. Budget for around $80-$100 per night if you want a private room and/or ensuite. Hotels I think are in the region of $100-150 depending on the hotel. Or motels are available for around the same cost per room (based on 2 people staying, with additional cost for extra people). All prices in NZD. All accommodation that I quote prices for above would be centrally located and no more an easy 5-10 minute stroll from the city centre. The stadium is a brisk 15-20 minute walk from the city. Not sure how much money you'd put aside for such a trip. Ticket to the game is $25 NZD. A McDonalds "meal" costs around $7-10 I think. Mains at cafes and restaurants are in the region of $15-40 depending on lunch/dinner. An espresso coffee sets you back around $4-5. A beer costs $6-8 I think (I don't drink!). Entry price to attractions I'm uncertain of but you can google for these - eg. Speights Brewery Tour, Cadbury World chocolate factory tours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddy Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Good work Ahmad, thanks for all the info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAiDaN66 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 (edited) next thing you know, 50% of supporters turn up to the next home crowd because we are all either dead or kidnapped nah but seriously its a great thing you have done Edited January 9, 2013 by MrAiDaN66 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braveheart Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 next thing you know, 50% of supporters turn up to the next home crowd because we are all either dead or kidnapped wait...what? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozzyx Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 So tempted, wish I knew whether I can get the time off or not, so I could just book it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post LR9 Posted January 9, 2013 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 next thing you know, 50% of supporters turn up to the next home crowd because we are all either dead or kidnapped wait...what? I think he is being a racist kent, suggesting that me fellow brother Ahmed is a terrorist and anyone who goes over for the trip will be killed or kidnapped by Ahmed and his mates, thus reducing our attendance by 50% for the following fixture... 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DutchPride Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Maybe. 90% off all flights, yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah bitch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malloy Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 next thing you know, 50% of supporters turn up to the next home crowd because we are all either dead or kidnapped wait...what? I think he is being a racist kent, suggesting that me fellow brother Ahmed is a terrorist and anyone who goes over for the trip will be killed or kidnapped by Ahmed and his mates, thus reducing our attendance by 50% for the following fixture... I don't think he meant that at all, think he was getting at the fact some random on the internet is offering friendly hospitality... nothing suss etc 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 What Malloy said. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Great! So now we get to chant "sheep sharers, sheep sharers...". Kiwi hospitality. Like your work ahmad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dRoy Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 next thing you know, 50% of supporters turn up to the next home crowd because we are all either dead or kidnapped wait...what? I think he is being a racist kent, suggesting that me fellow brother Ahmed is a terrorist and anyone who goes over for the trip will be killed or kidnapped by Ahmed and his mates, thus reducing our attendance by 50% for the following fixture... Wow. That escalated quickly. I didn't see anything racist about what he said. More of the fact it's an unusual welcome from another club. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dearne Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Im booked for this match!! Myself and my mum fly in on the wednesday before and fly out about a week after the game. I do know a couple of other people booked. So excited for it!!! Are you on twitter? I'm @ahmadnz if you want to keep in touch closer to the time regarding activities going on for both teams, or do email me dunedinphoenix (at) icloud (dot) com Would love to organise something with you and your fellow supporters in the lead up to the match. i have found you on twitter, i will love keeping in touch. Gladly i do know a few things about dunedin as a few of my work mates come from there. but shall definitely connect with you. love meeting other supporters! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballism Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 lol at you cunts thinking LR9 was being serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mus-28 Posted January 9, 2013 Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 Hoping Ahmad isn't this bloke packing some heat when you arrive at the airport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted January 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2013 At this rate there are going to be more Heart supporters around than there were Roar for last year's pre-season and Community Round fixtures last August and December respectively. This is not going to be your typical Phoenix crowd - I like to think of it is the Phoenix's home away from home. Dunedin does not have a local professional football team, and the local regional team struggles in the national league. Football doesn't have the strongest following but it definitely has large participation numbers in the winter. Quite honestly Forsyth Barr Stadium cannot be underestimated. I am 99% certain that those of you that make the trip will be impressed by the stadium. Last December when we only managed to pull a crowd of 4000+ (it was during the University holidays when as many as 10,000 people quietly disappear from our city) it was still a superb atmosphere as the roof leads to interesting acoustics and the crowd sounding much larger. You are extremely close to the action and from the front row you could literally spit on the sideline officials (though I would strongly discourage such activity). If there are some of you around on the Saturday before the game on Sunday I'm hoping we might be able to organise some activities, quite aside from the possible public appearances of one or both teams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tesla Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 (edited) University city with a population of approximately 110,000 (of which around 10,000 are students). Are the girls fit? Post pics to help me decide. Edited January 10, 2013 by Tesla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theresonlyonebzamora Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 Hoping Ahmad isn't this bloke packing some heat when you arrive at the airport :droy: what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted January 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 University city with a population of approximately 110,000 (of which around 10,000 are students). Are the girls fit? Post pics to help me decide. I couldn't possibly comment but this is the only pic I could dig up: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted January 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2013 Hi everyone - is anyone who is coming going to be around on Saturday 2 March? And can you guys come up with enough players for a football/futsal game in the town square (ours is 8-sided actually)?? Would really love to have a Fever vs MHS exhibition match if we have the numbers!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bt50 Posted January 11, 2013 Report Share Posted January 11, 2013 Considering this one. Will play if we are there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted February 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 Hi everyone! Just touching base again and confirming that there will be a small football event happening on Saturday 2 March. The central city lawn area will be where we set up some goals and have a few kicks. Nothing too serious, just a great way to have some fun and meet with other travelling and local football fans. The event will also involve inviting children along to have a kick on the field too, with a huge focus on drawing families and casual fans along. Hope to hear from a few more of you soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
United Posted February 8, 2013 Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 Why does this thread feel like an ambush....haha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted February 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2013 Only 12 days to go! How many are confirmed to be travelling for this one? Hopefully at least enough to form a team to play Yellow Fever on our town square (Octagon) lawn? This event is now confirmed for Saturday 2 March 1pm - 3pm and everyone is welcomed. Really hoping to see you there and please made contact in advance if you can so we can organise a team for a fan match. Email - dunedinphoenix (at) icloud (dot) com You are also invited to the pre- and post-match drinks, but I'll need to confirm that venue before I can do that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahmad Posted February 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2013 (edited) Hi everyone, if you are coming to this match then on behalf of Dunedin City, I welcome you. Might not be as special as a Mayoral welcome to the city but I've arranged for that too - this Saturday at 1pm in the equivalent of our town square, "The Octagon". Here are the details of events for the weekend. Please feel free to join us! Saturday 2 March 10:30am-12:00pm - (Phoenix) open training session at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Come along and spy on your enemies. 1pm-3pm - The inaugural Octagon Festival of Football. Be there and join the Melbourne Heart Supporters in taking on Yellow Fever on the Octagon lawn. A special guest from the Heart will be there! Alibi Bar (Octagon) - $6 tap beers and house wines until close (9pm for a private function) - available to anyone in Phoenix gear that asks for the offer, and I'm sure if you are in Heart gear they will sort you out too Sunday 3 March 9am-3pm - Alibi Bar Fever pre-match. 25% off brunch/lunch, $6 tap beers and house wines - available to anyone in Phoenix gear that asks for the offer - once again if you ask for the deal and you are in Heart gear, they will sort you out. Tell them Ahmad sent you 3:15pm - March to the Phoenix Match. Join us as we march down town and through the University Campus along to Forsyth Barr Stadium. Come crash our party if you want to! But keep it clean please. Family event. Post-match - Craft Bar (also in the Octagon). As we were told that Alibi would be closed on Sunday night, post-match will be at Craft Bar. They will be offering: $5 Export 33s. $6 Monteith Classic Range. This excludes Cider and the Brewer's Series. Also $5 off board mains (excluding the Sunday Roast special). Available to anyone in Phoenix gear that asks for the offer - yada yada. Cheers to DB, Alibi, and Craft for these specials. Please remember that these specials are PRIVILEGES - ie. don't be a dick if you are told that there are specific exclusions and try to push it. If you have any issues have a chat to the bar manager or me. Edited February 28, 2013 by ahmad 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAiDaN66 Posted February 28, 2013 Report Share Posted February 28, 2013 Hi everyone, if you are coming to this match then on behalf of Dunedin City, I welcome you. Might not be as special as a Mayoral welcome to the city but I've arranged for that too - this Saturday at 1pm in the equivalent of our town square, "The Octagon". Here are the details of events for the weekend. Please feel free to join us! Saturday 2 March 10:30am-12:00pm - (Phoenix) open training session at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Come along and spy on your enemies. 1pm-3pm - The inaugural Octagon Festival of Football. Be there and join the Melbourne Heart Supporters in taking on Yellow Fever on the Octagon lawn. A special guest from the Heart will be there! Alibi Bar (Octagon) - $6 tap beers and house wines until close (9pm for a private function) - available to anyone in Phoenix gear that asks for the offer, and I'm sure if you are in Heart gear they will sort you out too Sunday 3 March 9am-3pm - Alibi Bar Fever pre-match. 25% off brunch/lunch, $6 tap beers and house wines - available to anyone in Phoenix gear that asks for the offer - once again if you ask for the deal and you are in Heart gear, they will sort you out. Tell them Ahmad sent you 3:15pm - March to the Phoenix Match. Join us as we march down town and through the University Campus along to Forsyth Barr Stadium. Come crash our party if you want to! But keep it clean please. Family event. Post-match - Craft Bar (also in the Octagon). As we were told that Alibi would be closed on Sunday night, post-match will be at Craft Bar. They will be offering: $5 Export 33s. $6 Monteith Classic Range. This excludes Cider and the Brewer's Series. Also $5 off board mains (excluding the Sunday Roast special). Available to anyone in Phoenix gear that asks for the offer - yada yada. Cheers to DB, Alibi, and Craft for these specials. Please remember that these specials are PRIVILEGES - ie. don't be a dick if you are told that there are specific exclusions and try to push it. If you have any issues have a chat to the bar manager or me. Have mass respect for the yellow fever . Sound like a great bunch to be around. I can't go to this game, but will consider going next season. Will be very happy to meet you guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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