​Rovers Unveil Thirsty Whale as New Major Sponsor

It's a Deal: Napier City Rovers Head Coach Bill Roberston (right) and Thirsty Whale Public Relations Manager Ian Condy shake on the new sponsorship agreement outside the Thirsty Whale, West Quay Ahuriri.

​Napier City Rovers are thrilled to announce a brand new club sponsorship deal with the Thirsty Whale Bar and Restaurant.

The Ahuriri harbourside based Thirsty Whale, in partnership with neighbouring authentic Emerald Isle themed bar, Paddy’s Irish Pub, will be the club’s new main sponsors with naming rights to the Blues’ Central League team.

It’s a mammoth signing and a huge boost for the club with the new season just weeks away from kick-off.

The Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers squad will unveil their latest kit with the new sponsor logo when they face Wellington’s Waterside Karori at Bluewater Stadium in the season opener of the 2018 Ultra Football Central League on Easter Monday.

The sponsorship deal does not only extend to the flagship Central League team, with NCR Prem Reserves, Division 2, Division 3, and NCR Ladies all sporting new Thirsty Whale or Paddy’s Irish Pub logo’d kits on the field this season.

Chris Sullivan, who owns the Thirsty Whale in partnership with his wife Kerri, says the choice to sponsor Rovers was an easy decision, while the ongoing support for the Thirsty Whale and Paddy’s Bar by NCR players and fans has not gone unnoticed by the business owner. 

But, it’s the giving back to the community that is most important to Sullivan who is well-known for supporting sport in the region, also backing the Bay’s National League side Thirsty Whale Hawke’s Bay United.

“A few of the [Rovers] teams and supporters already frequent and support our business and we want to build on that and give something back. It’s that simple,” says Sullivan.

“But also, it’s a good community thing to do.”

Napier City Rovers chairman Phil Doran says having the backing of another high profile sponsor like the Thirsty Whale is a major development as the club continues to focus on building positive partnerships within the community while flying the flag of club football at the highest level.

“The talks with the Thirsty Whale have been very positive from the start and we are delighted that they have agreed to come on board as a major sponsor,” says Doran.

“As a club with a rich tradition and high standards our goal is always to attract high profile sponsors who, in addition to offering financial support, help us continue to raise our profile as we compete across the country in the Central League and Chatham Cup, and we have that with the Thirsty Whale.”

“This is fantastic for Napier City Rovers. We are a non-profit organisation representing the game from grassroots right through to the highest level of club based football in New Zealand. We have big ambitions as a club and to continue to seek to achieve we need the continued support of funders and sponsors. For the Thirsty Whale to jump on board with us is massive. We hope this is a partnership that can be long-lasting.

“I know a lot of our club members like to spend time socialising at the Thirsty Whale, and of course Paddy’s Bar, and we want to do as much as we can to make sure this continues and grows, and that the sponsorship is mutually beneficial.”

All club members and senior players will receive a VIP card entitling them to $1 off every item purchased at the Thirsty Whale and Paddy’s Bar. Coaches will distribute to players; members can ask at the club rooms for their discount loyalty card.

Get along to the Thirsty Whale and Paddy's Bar and show support to NCR’s new sponsors, experience amazing food, and enjoy the hospitality in the most idyllic location at Ahuriri harbour, while receiving your VIP discount. 

Don’t forget to Snap, Tweet and Share your fun experiences at the Thirsty Whale and Paddy’s Bar and post to NCR’s social media pages. We look forward to seeing you there.

About the Thirsty Whale

Overlooking Napier harbour, the Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant is a prime spot to meet up with friends as you drink in the scenery. Bask in the picturesque views from the deck this summer as you quench your thirst after enjoying the best cycle and walkways in Hawke’s Bay.

Relax and look on as the yachts and fishing boats come and go. Shop till you drop in Napier, then revive in the comfort of our Restaurant and Bar area. Watch the sun go down and notice how the Thirsty Whale transforms into the entertainment mecca at the heart of Napier’s nightlife. Dance the night away, knowing you are only a short cab ride from home or hotel.

Visit www.thethirstywhale.co.nz

About Paddy’s Irish Pub

Paddy’s Irish Pub has brought a wee bit of Ireland to West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier.
Paddy’s Irish Pub celebrates the old world flavour and the new vibrancy of Ireland. Carrying on with Irish tradition, we offer an atmosphere that infuses the alluring and relaxing nature of an authentic Irish social club and the warmth of a Gaelic home kitchen.

All the furnishings and memorabilia are authentic and were imported from an original bar in Limerick, Ireland owned by O’Sullivans for the last 16 years.

Paddy’s Irish Pub has brought the traditional Irish pub experience to Ahuriri. Our dark wood interiors, full of cosy nooks and beautifully sculpted bar will transport you into Ireland. We proudly cater to all walks of life here in Ahuriri. On any day you will find families, friends, sports fans, and professionals who are all visiting us to talk, debate, laugh, drink and eat. No matter the reason, when you are at Paddy’s, you’ll always feel like a local in our pub.

Complimentary wireless internet is provided at Paddy’s where you will hear all the traditional Irish music.

Visit www.paddysbar.co.nz