That the Wellington Phoenix went down 5-1 to a slick Brisbane Roar almost seemed beside the point as Southern football fans lapped up the atmosphere in the brand-new stadium.
It was easy to forget this was a pre-season friendly as a series of Mexican waves brought the crowd to their feet.
With the Yellow Fever fans chanting and stamping at one end, the noise was relentless and the rest of the 15,037 crowd picked up on their cues to add to the sense of excitement.
The ground announcer even remembered to add a tongue in cheek thanks from Dunedin police inspector Alastair Dickie for the orderly nature of the Mexican waves. Insp Dickie was quoted earlier this year as saying Mexican waves at the stadium could pose problems if they got out of hand.
The Phoenix will be licking their wounds after being comprehensively outplayed but it appears Dunedin fans have done their chances of seeing them at the Forsyth Barr stadium again no harm at all.
Result:- Wellington Phoenix 1 (Maceo Rigters), Brisbane Roar 5 (James Meyer 2, Thomas Broich 2 Mitch Nichols). Halftime: 0-1. Crowd: 15,037
