FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015:Match schedule unveiled

Wednesday 20 November 2013

FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015:Match schedule unveiled

The match schedule for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 has been unveiled, with a unique format designed to give Christchurch footie fans of all ages a chance to see the greatest footballers on the planet.

The tournament – the biggest celebration of football to hit New Zealand – will kick off with an opening ceremony at Auckland’s North Harbour stadium on Saturday 30 May 2015. Christchurch will host nine matches between Monday 1 and Wednesday 17 June, before the final showdown in Auckland on Saturday 20 June.

“There’s already been a lot of local and international interest in this tournament, and with 2015 fast approaching, that’s only going to increase,” says Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sports Unit Manager John Filsell.

“The FIFA U-20 World Cup will be broadcast to more than 100 countries and a television audience of more than 170 million people, and it’s estimated that around 10,000 overseas fans will make the pilgrimage to New Zealand to watch,” Mr Filsell says.

“With that many eyes on us, the tournament will be an awesome showcase for Christchurch and New Zealand, and the accessibility of the matches means that the people of our city have the best possible opportunity to fill the stands and watch history being made.”

Mike Coggan, Mainland Football Chief Executive says, “The greatest opportunity we have, as this event builds momentum, is to capitalize on the huge hype that will follow with genuine legacy and leverage planning, delivered before, during and post-World Cup. This New Zealand Football planning is well underway and will lead to significant benefits including growth in participation and fanbase.”

Dave Beeche, CEO of the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, this morning unveiled the match schedule at a media briefing in Wellington.

“This is a unique programme of matches and one which we believe will cater for every audience whether it’s young people and families wanting to see the world’s future footballing idols after school or work colleagues wanting a great night out,” Mr Beeche says.

“We have also introduced a series of double-headers in the pool stages, to not only give fans great value for money but ensure that they get to see four of the world’s top footballing nations compete in two world-class matches.”

Another key feature is the so-called ‘Super Sunday’ of football, which sees all four quarter-final matches take place on the same day – Sunday 14 June. These matches will be held in Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland.

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