Tony Pignata: We want fans to watch Del Piero

Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata has revealed that financial benefit was key in their choice of ANZ Stadium for their new season.

Sky Blues boss said the club considered the change in venue because of the arrival of Alessandro Del Piero at the club.
　
He said: 'We've had to move the game given the unavailability of Allianz Stadium due to their annual turf replacement, and we just felt that ANZ Stadium was a good fit at this time given the interest in Sydney FC at the moment as a result of Alessandro's arrival.
　
'We did think of a couple of boutique venues but the fact of Alessandro playing his second home game was quite a factor in the decision, and we want to accommodate as many people as possible who want to see him play.'
　
Tony Pignata added that the deal to play at ANZ Stadium will be financially beneficial for Sydney FC who have a lot of their fans in that region.
　
'That was another major factor because ANZ Stadium is out in that western belt area. We anticipate our first home game will be sold out based on the way memberships are trending. We know the derby game will definitely sell out, so this is an opportunity to be out that way where fans can have easy access to watch Alessandro Del Piero play.
　
'Memberships are still very strong and corporate interest with regards to boxes and match-day functions are all going up. We're fielding lots of interest from potential sponsors who want to get on board with Sydney FC, and that's been fantastic. When tickets go on sale to the Football Family [members] next week, they'll be snapped up, and I'm assuming the best seats in the house will go very quickly, and there's going to be big demand when they go public.
　
'That's what we want. We want the stadiums filled to capacity and big crowds wherever Sydney FC plays.'　
　

Sept. 13, 2012.