Should the Phoenix Move to Newtown Park?

The Phoenix have made headlines again

This morning, the word is that the owners are considering a move away from Westpac Stadium to a smaller ground - possibly Newtown Park where the Phoenix currently train - as they try to stop the losses being incurred each season for being unable to fill the 30,000 seater Cake Tin.

Phoenix owners want an end to scenes like this - no not the Batucada

As it is, the Nix lose $1 million per season for being only able to get 5,000 through the turnstiles at the Cake Tin and a 10,000 seater stadium at a revamped Newtown Park would not only reduce losses but possibly create a better atmosphere for fans in what would be a less empty stadium.

This is probably the best idea I've heard from the owners this week actually! To be fair, the current venue is a dreadful place to watch football - the pitch is too far from the stands and fans which is not surprising as it was really designed for cricket and even for rugby,

AMI Stadium in Addington, Christchurch - it may be temporary but for watching football, it is one of the best

Forsyth Barr and Addington are much better grounds to watch rugby. A proper football stadium in the Wellington area would be nice like they have in Dunedin and Christchurch and the Nix and Lions could play their regular season games there and have the bigger playoff games at the Cake Tin.

While a 10,000 seater stadium would certainly provide a better atmosphere for fans, however, I doubt the council has the funds right now nor would make building this stadium a priority now especially when Wellington already has a stadium with decent transport arrangements and the perfect location.

Newtown Park - future home of the Phoenix?

And compare the Cake Tin to possible mooted alternatives - Newtown Park has limited parking and is not in a good location in the area, likewise Rugby League Park or Hutt Rec Ground.

Maybe the Phoenix should work with the company that runs the stadium and agree to close off one half of the stadium - drape flags there - and make sure all fans congregate in one half of the stadium so that it provides a better atmosphere.

It works in the J-League where the teams play in big stadia but only part of it is open for the regular season games. It would certainly be cheaper than building a whole new stadium.

I guess it would come down to the stadium changing the way it charges the Phoenix for using its venue - it should consider splitting the stadium seats so that not all of it has to be used. I think that is where the Phoenix are losing money having to pay staff to cover areas in the stadium which are scarcely occupied.

But yes good on Gareth Morgan for trying to appease the fans after his scathing remarks earlier in the week to improve the viewing experience for fans of the Nix.