Airport Welcomes for FIFA Teams

Dunedin (Friday, 22 May 2015) – It’s time to fly the flag for FIFA!

Teams competing in Dunedin matches as part of the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 start flying into the city on Monday and people are encouraged to give them a warm Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull is delighted at being able to welcome teams from so many different countries to Dunedin.

“It is always exciting to see top level international sport here. An event like this makes me feel the world really is coming to Dunedin’s doorstep and I know many millions of eyes will be on us as we host these matches.

“In the case of this tournament, Dunedin people have the opportunity to see young players approaching the top of their powers and abilities which, in some cases, will make them international stars and household names.

“This is a real privilege for the city and I am confident Dunedin people will make them feel welcome and help them enjoy all the great sport and recreation amenities we have to offer.”

Dunedin City Council Events Special Projects Co-ordinator Tammy Jackman says the teams will be welcomed when they arrive at the Dunedin International Airport. The King’s and Queen’s High Schools’ Kapa Haka group, He Waka Kotuia, will greet the teams on arrival and the City of Dunedin Pipe Band will pipe the players through the terminal.

For the Uruguay, Mexico and Colombia welcomes there will also be representatives from the local community singing the national anthems for those countries.

People who wish to see the teams can take advantage of free parking at the Airport by collecting a car park ticket at the Customer Services desk that will let them leave the car park free of charge.

The teams and arrival times are:

Uruguay – Monday, 25 May, 5.25pm

Mexico – Monday, 25 May, 8.50pm

Mali – Wednesday, 27 May, 9.20am

Serbia – Wednesday, 27 May, 5.25pm

Portugal – Thursday, 4 June, 2.20pm

Colombia – Thursday, 4 June, 3.10pm

The Round of 16 team arrival has not been confirmed.

ends

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