Football fans are invited to immerse themselves in the excitement of the New Zealand International Football Festival when the official Festival Zone opens at Waitematā Station Plaza on Thursday 23 July, transforming the heart of Auckland into a vibrant celebration of the beautiful game.
Made possible by Auckland Council Events through Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the Festival Hub will run until Saturday 8th August, providing fans of all ages with a place to connect, play and celebrate as some of the world’s biggest football clubs arrive in New Zealand.
Open daily during scheduled activation periods, the Hub will feature interactive football challenges, giveaways, photo opportunities and the search for the Festival’s Official 12th Player. Visitors will have the chance to test their football skills while going in the draw to win unforgettable Festival experiences, including exclusive match tickets, behind-the-scenes access and once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greet opportunities.
The Fan Zone will bring fans closer to the stars of the Festival, with appearances from Auckland FC, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC Women.
Whether you’re a lifelong football supporter or simply looking for a fun day out in the city, the Festival Zone is the place to soak up the atmosphere, challenge your mates, meet football stars and become part of one of New Zealand’s biggest football celebrations.
Entry to the Festival Zone is free, with everyone encouraged to come along, get involved and experience the excitement of the New Zealand International Football Festival.
For more information on the matches, visit tegsport.com.au/event/new-zealand-international-football-festival/
The Festival Zone will be open Thursday 23rd July – Saturday 8th August 12pm – 4pm (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Opening Weekend Schedule
Please note that this is subject to change and will be updated accordingly.
Thursday 23 July
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Festival Hub officially opens.
Auckland FC Football School activation
Friday 24 July
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Festival Hub open.
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Auckland FC Player Meet & Greet.
Saturday 25 July
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Festival Hub open.
2:00pm-3:00pm: Tottenham Hotspur player appearance
Following their Festival Hub appearance, fans will have the opportunity to head to Eden Park to watch Tottenham Hotspur’s full squad take part in an Open Training session ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated match.
Sunday 26 July – Match Day
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Festival Hub open with football activations, giveaways and fan experiences ahead of kick-off.
Mid-Weekend Schedule
Thursday 30th July
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Festival Hub open.
Speed Kick Challenge – Test your skills and be in the draw to win tickets and VIP experiences!
Friday 31st July
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Speed Kick Challenge + Football Skills Drills – Slide into the weekend with boasting rights when you test your kick speed against our leaderboard and be draw to win tickets and VIP experiences!
Saturday 1st August
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Festival Fan Zone open with Speed Kick Challenge, Football Skills Drills tunes and giveaways!
Between 1-3pm join Auckland FC Coaches on site to get the edge with skills drills, feedback and tips.
Sunday 2nd August
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Wrap the weekend at the Festival Fan Zone and take on our Speed Kick Challenge + Football Skills Drills.
Between 1-3pm join Auckland FC Coaches on site to get the edge with skills drills, feedback and tips.
Final Weekend Schedule
Thursday 6th August
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Festival Hub open.
Super Thursday!!! Celebrate the countdown to Chelsea FC Woman taking on Auckland FC Woman on Saturday with epic giveaways including tickets to the game just by taking part in our Speed Kick Challenge.
Friday 7th August
1:00pm – 6:00pm
Game day Eve!
Get that final practice in so you are game fit for the big game and claim your place on our Speed Kick challenge leaderboard with your last chance to be in the draw to win tickets and VIP experiences!
Plus, join us at the Festival Fan Zone from 4:30pm – 5:30pm to meet players from Chelsea FC Woman for a special appearance ahead of tomorrows game!
Saturday 8th August
11:00am – 3:00pm
Celebrate Game Day at the Festival Fan Zone!
Join us at the Festival Fan Zone before you head to the game with Speed Kick Challenge, Football Skills Drills tunes and giveaways!