A new season, and a new place to call home.
Wellington Phoenix are having no problems settling into their world-class training facility in Upper Hutt.
Newshub was given an exclusive behind the scenes tour, and got a sneak peek at the Phoenix's new kit ahead of Friday's season launch.
The first steps into a new era for the Wellington Phoenix, familiarising themselves with their new $100 million home at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport.
"It's fantastic," said returning signing Kosta Barbarouses. "I don't think they've pulled short anywhere."
The campus includes state of the art recovery facilities, an altitude room, and a 1000m square gym leaving Phoenix players of both genders in awe.
"I'm blown away," says Phoenix women's defender Mackenzie Barry. "I can't stop smiling.
"This is the first time ever I've had the same exact facilities the male players have had."
"The venue is sensational," added head coach Ufuk Talay. "I think it's going to be great when the other sport will be in here, and I think there will be a lot of opportunity to collaborate."
Collaborating and interacting will be a large part of the centre's concept. Not only will the facility be home to the Phoenix, so too Wellington Lions and Pride, the Hurricanes and Hurricanes Poua are also coming to the party.
"I can see footballers and rugby players doing skills against each other," says NZCIS general manager Jamie Tout.
"But as much as anything, it's a really neat piece of innovation."
They'll have a new look on the pitch as well, this season's strip was designed in consultation with local iwi Te-Āti Awa.
The Tohu includes two taniwha of Wellington Harbour, and the white Raukura synonymous with Taranaki tribes.
"It's pretty rare for A-League clubs to have an identity on the pitch, and on the kit," adds Barbarouses.
"We've got that. [It's] important we embrace our culture."
"No excuses now. We can't say 'we don't have this or that'. Everything's here for us."
The Phoenix are poised for what they hope will be a history-making season.
