Here's a great way to kick off the first day of 2026.

Auckland’s A-League football team, Auckland FC, currently top of the competition ladder.

Coastie football fans looking for some action can head into Auckland for the New Year’s Day home game against Newcastle Jets.

The match is Round 11 of the 25/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season, with kick-off at 5:00pm NZT on Thursday, January 1 at Go Media Stadium.

The day starts early with Auckland FC Tailgate from 12:00pm.

The box office opens at 3:00pm, with gates open from 3:30pm.

From 3:30pm, the Family Fan Zone will be running at the North End of the stadium below the big screen.

There’s a 25m inflatable slide, football darts, and more, with the club recommending fans arrive early to make the most of it.

At 3:45pm, kids aged 6 to 12 can jump into what the club is calling the “largest water fight in the Southern Hemisphere”, held in the car park beside Lilyworld.

The club says to bring a towel, wear something you do not mind getting wet, and bring plenty of energy.

Warm up begins at 4:15pm, before the 5:00pm kick-off.

Purchase tickets online here.

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