Melbourne Victory this week announced a venue change for two of the club’s home summer fixtures on January 9 and February 2, 2011.
The January 9 game against Adelaide United has been moved from Etihad Stadium and will now be played at AAMI Park. Similarly, the club’s February 2 mid-week fixture against the Newcastle Jets has been relocated from AAMI Park to Etihad Stadium.
The venue switch has come about as a result of the club receiving a registered concern from Etihad Stadium management, as to how the pitch will be presented for the January 9 fixture.
Melbourne Victory CEO Geoff Miles wanted to thank all parties for assisting in this process; “We’re grateful to Etihad Stadium for approaching us with their concern, giving us time to work with all stakeholders to switch our January 9 and February 2 event venues.”
The club believes there should be minimal impact to members and fans from a ticketing perspective.
Members will be able to access both venues using their 2010/11 membership cards. For those that have purchased tickets to either game, both ticketing agents will endeavour to contact those customers to provide a full refund.
For customers who have purchased through outlets, they will need to contact Ticketmaster for the Adelaide game and Ticketek for the Newcastle game, to seek a refund.
Meanwhile, in Adelaide, FFA announced the sale of Adelaide United FC to a highly respected local consortium lead by Robert Gerard that includes Dr Richard Noble, Bruno Marveggio and newly-appointed Chairman of Adelaide United Football Club Greg Griffin.
Since being handed back the license in May 2009, FFA has worked diligently during a transitional ownership phase in preparing the club for continued success both on and off the park.
Following the completion of the signing of agreements, which took place this morning at Adelaide United’s Hindmarsh Stadium headquarters, the Gerard Consortium successfully took control of the Club’s 10-year license which runs until 2020.
FFA CEO Ben Buckley said the signing was a great result for the people of Adelaide and a huge vote of confidence in the Hyundai A-League.
“This move will see Adelaide United go from strength-to-strength and be transformed into a true community Club owned by local Adelaide business people,” Buckley said.
“By putting the Club in the hands of a highly-respected, passionate and wholly local consortium lead by Robert Gerard, FFA has ensured the success and the future of Adelaide United Football Club.
“We were particularly impressed with the consortium’s business credentials and vision for the Club.
“FFA will continue to assist in the immediate short term to ensure the handover is smooth for the Club and its playing, coaching and backroom staff.
“Today is a fantastic day for the Club and the Adelaide community on mass as it delivers a team showing great results on the field being fully supported by a respected and committed community ownership group off the field.”
Adelaide United will undergo some immediate restructuring with Sam Ciccarello stepping aside from his position of CEO that he has held since 2006 to work with FFA on a series of special projects.
New chairman Greg Griffin said the consortium welcomed the opportunity to return the Club to the ownership of business people that work and live in South Australia.
“We plan to add stability and sustainability to the Club and it will be run by people from the South Australian community for the community,” Griffin said.
