The Wellington Phoenix and Rotorua District Council have confirmed Rotorua will host the club's first pre-season fixture against A-League opposition when they host the Central Coast Mariners on September 22.
The Phoenix, under new head coach Ernie Merrick, will be based in Rotorua in the days leading up to the game at Rotorua International Stadium.
The team, led by captain Andrew Durante, will feature stalwarts Ben Sigmund, Paul Ifill and Vince Lia, alongside New Zealand under-20`s representatives Louis Fenton and Tyler Boyd.
Former Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez, the club's latest high-profile signing will also feature in the clash with the defending A-League champions.
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome said fixtures such as this enabled football fans outside of the capital to experience professional football.
