The Saints are heading back to Wellington this Anzac Day for our big game against the Brisbane Lions. There are some great events and activities planned for travelling members and supporters, as well as ‘Wellingtonians’, that we would love you to add to your itinerary. All these events and activities are free and we trust will enhance your Saints NZ experience!
Tuesday 22 April
If you are already in Wellington and wish to welcome the Saints, the team flight arrives at 3:30pm on Virgin Australia flight VA194.
Wednesday 23 April
10:30am-11:30am – City Walk - all travelling players and staff will be walking from the Rydges Hotel (Featherstone St, Wellington) through the city centre to the Civic Plaza (Wakefield St, Wellington) visiting local shops and cafes promoting the Anzac Day game and handing out giveaways. Keep an eye out for a Saint on the street!
11:30am-12:00pm – Team Presentation – the team walk will culminate in the team being presented in Civic Plaza (enter via Wakefield St). We’d love to see as many Saints fans in the plaza to cheer on the team and give them a big Wellington welcome. AFLNZ will also be in attendance in the plaza running an ‘AFL Have A Go’ activity.
3:15pm-5:15pm – Joint Banner Making – an AFL tradition, we are inviting you to assist both the St Kilda and Brisbane Lions Cheer Squads to create the joint Anzac game day run through the banner. You can have a hands-on role in a significant part of the big game. Banner making will take place at the Wellington Indoor Sports Centre, Shed 1, Queens Wharf, Wellington.
Thursday 24 April
2:00pm-3:00pm – Open Training Session – see the Saints go through their paces before the big game. All fans are welcome to watch the training session at the Basin Reserve (enter via Rugby St) – the short training session will be followed by a brief signing session. Food and beverages and a limited range of merchandise will be available for sale.
Friday 25 April
5:30am-6:30am – Dawn Service – the traditional Anzac Day Dawn Service is held at the Cenotaph, Lambton Quay, Wellington (meet in Bunny St at 5:30am).
Game Day Overview
4:50pm – Gates Open
5:10pm – Curtain Raiser – New Zealand Hawks v South Pacific Nations
5:30pm – Pre-Game Plaza activity commences including AFLNZ Have a Go, face painting, traditional drummers, fire dancers and more!
7:00pm – Pre-Game Entertainment including a performance by Ms Murphy and the traditional Observance Ceremony
7:45pm – Game commences
Official Saints Merchandise and NZ Memberships will also be available for sale on the Plaza before the game.
Saturday 26 April
10am-2pm – Fan Day – all are welcome to join the team at the Basin Reserve (enter via Rugby St) to mix and mingle. Come and meet the Saints players and enjoy some fun activities. The team will be presented to the crowd at 10:45am. The New Zealand Hawks and South Pacific teams will be in attendance. AFL New Zealand staff will also assist in fun games, skills and activities throughout the day.
Note: the team will be departing at 12:00pm to head to the airport.
While in Wellington stay tuned to SAINTS.com.au and our Twitter: @stkildafc, for updates.
