October 15, 2026
It's hard to believe how quickly the past 19 seasons have flown by! This Sunday, the Wellington Phoenix kick off their 20th season of A-League football, and what better way to celebrate than with a huge day of football right here at Hnry Stadium on 18 October?
From unforgettable highs and lows to packed stands and celebrations shared with thousands of fans, Hnry Stadium has been part of the Phoenix story every step of the way. With a milestone season ahead, we're looking back at some of the moments that have made the journey so special.
2007 – Where it all began
Every journey starts somewhere, and for the Wellington Phoenix, their story began in 2007 when they took on Melbourne Victory in their first-ever A-League match at home. The match finished 2–2, marking the beginning of a new chapter for football in Wellington.
Nearly two decades later, the same two sides are returning to Hnry Stadium for the Phoenix's 20th-season opener in a fitting full-circle moment.
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2021 – Homecoming
After 433 days away from home due to COVID-19, the Wellington Phoenix finally returned to Welly in May 2021, and the occasion was one to remember. A record-breaking crowd of 24,105 fans packed Hnry Stadium to welcome the team back home, cheering them on to a 3–0 victory over WesternUnited.
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2024 – A Grand Final on the line
In May 2024, 33,297 fans packed Hnry Stadium for the Phoenix's A-League semi-final against Melbourne Victory. With a place in the Grand Final on the line, the atmosphere was electric, building to an incredible moment when Oskar Zawada found the net in the 99th minute to send the match into extra time.
Although the Phoenix's championship hopes ended that night, the occasion showed just how much the club means to Wellington and how a passionate home crowd can help create anunforgettable sporting moment, despite the result.
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A new chapter for the Phoenix Women
The Phoenix story continues to grow, with the women's team carving out its own place in the club's history. This year, the side reached the A-League Women Grand Final for the first time, marking a huge milestone for the club and its supporters.
As the Phoenix Women prepare to face Melbourne City in a Grand Final rematch this Sunday, it's another great opportunity for Wellington fans to get behind the team and be part of the next chapter.
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The fans that make it special
Over the years, Hnry Stadium has welcomed generations of Phoenix fans, with the yellow and black filling the stands and the atmosphere building with every big moment. A huge part of that atmosphere comes from the Yellow Fever, the club's passionate supporters who bring the noise, colour and energy to match days. From celebrating a last-minute winner to sharing the highs and lows of supporting the team, it's these moments that make match days so special.
And after 19 seasons, there are still plenty more memories to be made! Whether you've been supporting the Phoenix since 2007 or are coming along for the first time, this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to be part of the action.
With Drax Project performing between the two matches, the Phoenix Men taking on Melbourne Victory and the Phoenix Women facing Melbourne City, there's plenty to look forward to at Hnry Stadium.
So, grab your yellow and black, bring your mates and get ready for another big day of Wellington football! Get your tickets here.
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