What are the details of the updated agreement?
St Kilda has agreed to a five year term with Wellington City Council to play one game per year on Anzac Day at Westpac Stadium until 2018.
The agreement is between St Kilda, the AFL and Wellington City Council.
The Saints had initially agreed to play games in New Zealand for at least three years with the option of playing additional games from 2014 but this new deal confirms that we will play one game on Anzac Day at Westpac Stadium each year.
Why is St Kilda looking to play for points abroad?
The staging of the first premiership points match on foreign soil is an historic opportunity for the AFL and our Club.
It provides a strong point of difference for our Club in a very crowded and competitive commercial environment.
It is also a wonderful opportunity develop the game in a new country through school programs, local competitions and talent pathways
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand has a great love and passion for sport and excels in a number of elite international sports.
The AFL has an existing office in New Zealand and launched its first official talent combine in Wellington earlier this year and we believe the talent prospects in New Zealand are immense.
Why Wellington?
Wellington is New Zealand’s premier event centre and is keen to bring AFL matches to its sporting-mad public.
Westpac Stadium is a world-class venue right on the doorstep of the CBD that is almost purpose built for AFL football.
Wellington City Council has welcomed us and share our vision & excitement for the project
Is Westpac Stadium suitable for AFL Football?
The ground is virtually purpose made for AFL football - it is oval and the dimensions are as wide as Etihad Stadium and longer than the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The playing surface is of a world class standard and the venue plays host to international rugby, international soccer and international cricket matches. The venue capacity is 34,000.
Why on ANZAC Day?
St Kilda Football Club and its members can be proud in the knowledge that the Saints will play a leading role in creating an event that will be a powerful celebration of the strategic defence alliance between two sister countries, that have stood shoulder to shoulder through periods of great challenge, for more than 100 years.
ANZAC Day is deeply significant to both our nations; remembering the sacrifice service men and women from New Zealand and Australia have made and celebrating the freedom we enjoy as a result.
Who will St Kilda play on ANZAC Day 2014?
The AFL release their fixture at the end of October 2013 at which time the opposing team will be announced
How do St Kilda members access tickets for the Wellington game?
2014 St Kilda Members can access an application form for Anzac Day tickets from saintsmembership.com.au from Friday 8 November. A 2014 Anzac Day commemorative ticket will be issued for this game, and tickets will be issued January 2014.
Will St Kilda Members lose a game from their 2014 Membership?
No. We appreciate that it may not be possible for all Members to attend this historic match in Wellington. Accordingly, a replacement match will be announced once the AFL Fixture is confirmed towards the end of October. This will ensure that our loyal Members will continue to have access to 11 ‘home’ matches in Melbourne.
Will there be specific Memberships for those in New Zealand?
Yes, absolutely. New Zealand residents will be offered tailored Membership packages which will be launched on the Saints website from the beginning of November 2013.
