Football Federation Australia (FFA) today released the ticketing details for the upcoming blockbuster farewell match between the Qantas Socceroos and New Zealand All Whites at the MCG on May 24 before both teams leave for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
A massive crowd is expected to cheer on the full Qantas Socceroos squad that is expected to include their biggest names such as captain Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer as they take on New Zealand.
The game follows the farewell blockbuster tradition set when the Qantas Socceroos played Greece before the 2006 FIFA World Cup at the MCG.
"This match will be the perfect opportunity for Australian sports fans to farewell the Qantas Socceroos before they head off to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa," said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
"The atmosphere for the last farewell match against Greece in 2006 was electric and we are expecting a sea of green and gold in the stands to cheer the boys on before they take on the world. "The fact that we will be facing a traditional sporting rival in New Zealand will make the match even more meaningful with bragging rights on the line," concluded Buckley.
Qantas Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek is also looking forward to this exciting match.
"For New Zealand to qualify for the FIFA World Cup is an outstanding achievement," Verbeek said.
"Only last week they narrowly lost to Mexico in front of a crowd of 90,000 which shows that they are not easily intimidated on big occasions.
"The major benefit for us, in the lead up to South Africa, is that their style of play is very similar to the "European" style.
"Due to the rivalry between our two teams that goes back many years we are definitely expecting a very competitive match against the All Whites.
"Finally, the match will not only be an opportunity for the fans to farewell the Qantas Socceroos, but also for us to say thank you to the fans for supporting us through the qualification campaign," concluded Verbeek.
Tickets for this match will go on-sale to the Football Family from 12 pm Monday 22 March until 9pm Wednesday 24 March and to the general public from 9am Monday 29 March from Ticketek.
Match Details Qantas Socceroos v New Zealand Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Victoria Monday 24 May 2010 Kick-Off time - 7:30pm AEST Gates open - 5:30pm AEST
Ticket Prices Category A - $95 - all tickets Category B - $65 Adult, $35 Concession, $165 Family Category C - $40 Adult, $20 Concession, $99 Family
Australian Home End - $45 Adult, $25 Concession New Zealand Supporter Area - $45 Adult, $25 Concession, $120 Family
Ticket Prices are inclusive of GST & Booking Fee. Transaction charges may apply
On Sale Dates Football Family: 12 pm (AEDT) Monday 22 March, 2010 until 9pm (AEDT) Wednesday 24 March 2010
General Public: 9am (AEDT) Monday 29 March 2010
AEDT = Australian Eastern Daylight Time
