Yes that’s right the National League Football Club will now be known as “THIRSTY WHALE Hawkes Bay United.” The Napier based restaurant and bar has signed on as the Naming Rights Sponsor for the National League team. Along with regular 1^st team signing announcements and the youth team being finalised last week, it all seems so far, so good for Hawkes Bay.

For Thirsty Whale owner Chris Sullivan and wife Kerri Sullivan supporting sport and the region is not new to them. Whether it be sport such as Football, Rugby, Basketball or providing a venue and catering for local fundraisers to name a few, Thirsty Whale has always made the bar and restaurant available to the various organisations.

“To have a successful local business prepared to invest in us heavily financially as well as support us in other ways…….the value to the club is astronomical! It’s another example of Hawkes Bay United on the right track to more success on and off the pitch, said Hawkes Bay United Manager Shane McKenzie. Chris and Kerri have been amazing to deal with. Any business that is going to support us the way they are should be supported in return by locals getting into their establishment whenever possible. Without the support of people like Chris and Kerri it would be very difficult for teams that compete in National Leagues to exist so we are understandably very thankful.”

“We like to support where we can, said a humble Chris Sullivan. It’s about giving back to the community when the right opportunities present themselves. Hawkes Bay United have gone pretty well the last couple of years so if our involvement can help get them a bit closer to the title that’s great. Of course a few more people stopping in for meals and refreshments every now and then won’t hurt either….he says with a smile.”

Off the field the two entities are working to make the partnership a bonus for as many people as possible including Thirsty Whale discount cards for some fans as one example.

“We sat down together the other day to go through a few things, says Kerri Sullivan. It’s going to be exciting. We will host the after match presentations here, there’s also an opportunity for fans pre-game and there is also a season launch evening being planned to give you some insight. I’m sure the club will make an announcement around the launch. It’s going to be fun.”

THIRSTY WHALE Hawkes Bay United will kick off their season on Labour weekend. With support like this, it's sure to start on the front foot.