Thu 18th Jan 2007

Despite missing out on the 2006/07 Hyundai A-League finals series, the Central Coast Mariners have continued to impress off the field and are set to surpass a pair of significant attendance milestones on Sunday.

The Mariners are just 16 spectators short of seeing the 100,000th spectator pass through the turnstiles for a Hyundai A-League fixture at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium this season.

Similarly, 1,304 spectators are required to see the Mariners record more than 125,000 spectators for the season, including three Pre-Season Cup fixtures.

With one round remaining, the Mariners are averaging 9,998 for their Hyundai A-League home attendances in 2006/07, a 27% increase on their figures from 2005/06 – an increase second only to Premiers Melbourne Victory, who have boosted their attendances an amazing 95%.

As the Mariners prepare to farewell a season where they have fallen short of their lofty on-field expectations, Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman has been heartened by the increasingly positive reactions from the Central Coast community.

"While we are obviously disappointed to miss out on the finals series this season, we have been delighted to see the crowds that have flocked to Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium," said Gorman.

"To see over 10,000 people turn up on Thursday night last week is a very strong statement for the future growth of the club, and we’re very determined to see such numbers continue and improve in coming seasons.

"On behalf of the entire Mariners organisation, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to each of our Members, supporters and corporate partners for their outstanding patronage in 2006/07, we look forward to returning to and exceeding the successes of our first season in 2007/08 and we hope to see you enjoy the next chapter of our journey with us."

To commemorate the Mariners’ second season of existence, the Marinators, the Mariners’ vocal supporters group, have adopted a party theme for the Central Coast’s 2006/07 swansong.

"We have a couple of things planned to try and make Sunday a real party atmosphere, which will be a great way to celebrate what has been another exciting season, despite our non-appearance in the finals series," said Marinators member Jeff Hall.

"We’re calling on everyone to join us in our celebrations, to wear yellow and bring their flags, banners and posters and thanks the players and supporters for their efforts in 2006/07."

The Mariners’ will bid adieu to their second Hyundai A-League campaign when they take on Adelaide United at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium this Sunday, 21 January. Kick off is at 7pm.

To celebrate the Mariners’ final match of the Hyundai A-League regular season, the first 2,000 people through the gates will receive a free Mariners beach ball.

Courtesy of match day sponsor Fortunity, spectators will have the chance to win a signed Mariners jersey and $1,500 by entering the Fortunity match day competition. To enter, click here.

Tickets are now on sale from Ticketek outlets, the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.