Giant O added to Wellington sign to mark FIFA Women's World Cup

6:05 pm on 27 June 2023
The Wellington 'blown away' sign has had a makeover to mark the FIFA Women's World Cup.

The Wellington 'blown away' sign has had a makeover to mark the FIFA Women's World Cup. Photo: Supplied / Wellington Airport

The Wellington 'blown away' sign has had a sporty makeover, with a giant football temporarily subbing in for the 'O'.

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said the move was to mark the FIFA Women's World Cup, which starts on 20 July.

Wellington is hosting nine games, including a Round of 16 game and Quarterfinal.

"We wanted to show our support for this once-in-a-lifetime event in the most visible way possible," Clarke said.

"This is our way of welcoming the teams and many thousands of supporters expected here."

Workers celebrating the installation of a football on the Wellington sign to celebrate the Women’s Football World Cup event on 27 June 2023 in the capital.

Workers celebrating the sign's remake. Photo: Mark Tantrum / Supplied

The 400kg sign will be auctioned off after the World Cup ends with the proceeds going to Football For All - an organisation that encourages children to take up football and futsal.

WellingtonNZ general manager events and experiences Warrick Dent said it was the largest sporting event to ever come to the capital.

"To have an event of this diversity and scale in Wellington is really something special, and with the world's eyes on us, we want to inspire the fans who are visiting and invite them to experience all that Wellington has to offer."

A crane was used to put the giant football in place on the Wellington sign.

A crane was used to put the giant football in place on the Wellington sign. Photo: Supplied / Wellington Airport

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