‘It’s Wild’: Wanderers reflect on debut at Wanderers Grounds ahead of home opener

April 24, 2023

After three away matches to open up 2023, the Halifax Wanderers get their homecoming on Saturday.

The Wanderers welcome Vancouver FC on April 29 for the club’s home opener, 210 days from the last kick of a ball at the Wanderers Grounds. With so many new faces, most of this year’s team will be playing at the stadium for the first time.

Ahead of the match, members of the club that have played in front of the Halifax fanbase reminisced about their Wanderers Grounds debut.

Captain Andre Rampersad, May 4, 2019 – Halifax vs. Forge FC:

I came on as a substitute in the first-ever home game in 2019, Luis Perea scored a late goal, and we ended up winning 2-1. The fans were amazing that day, and it was just the start of building a family culture, and we’ve stayed on that path. They do whatever it takes to distract the opponents, and once we get a goal in front of The Kitchen, you know it’s going to be an explosion.

Canadian Premier League – HFX Wanderers FC v Forge FC – Wanderers Grounds, Halifax, Nova Scotia – May 4, 2019. (Trevor MacMillan/CPL)

Head coach Patrice Gheisar, May 22, 2019 – Halifax vs. Vaughan Azzurri:

I remember it was cold outside but a warm atmosphere inside. With the way the seating is, you feel like the fans are on top of you, so it’s extremely intimidating for a visiting team. The commitment to support their team is something that never left my head after playing against Halifax, like having an extra man.

2019 Canadian Championship – HFX Wanderers FC vs Vaughn SC – Wanderers Grounds, Halifax, Nova Scotia – May 22, 2019. (Trevor MacMillan/CPL)

Defender Zachary Fernandez, April 30, 2022 – Halifax vs. FC Edmonton:

I assisted on the winning goal, and it was at that moment I fell in love with the city. I was already happy to be in Halifax, but celebrating a goal in front of The Kitchen, they were going insane, and it was amazing, words can’t really describe that feeling, so we want to score a lot more goals in front of them.

Forward Wesley Timoteo, April 30, 2022 – Halifax vs. FC Edmonton:

I was on the away team, and the atmosphere was incredible, in the warm-up seeing the stadium was almost full already. I remember the moment when Zach won them a penalty, and the stadium erupted, it was just insane, like super super loud, and you knew then they had some real fans in front of them. I can’t wait to play in front of them as the home team, super excited. Just to step my feet on the grass with my teammates and try to get the fans a win so it can be a big party.

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Apr 30, 2022: Canadian Premier League match between HFX Wanderers FC and FC Edmonton at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Trevor MacMillan/HFX Wanderers FC)

Defender Cale Loughrey, April 30, 2022 – Halifax vs. FC Edmonton:

It was a cold and rainy day, but the grass was in decent shape, and I got to wear my metal studs, so I was pretty happy about that. I remember hearing before the game how packed it was going to be, but when we came out for the walkout, I was shocked. I was amazed at how many fans were there. I can’t wait to get out there on Saturday and play for them, I can only imagine what it will be like to have them on my side this year.

Forward Fumpa Mwandwe, July 23, 2022 – Halifax vs. FC Edmonton:

Wow, looking back, the atmosphere was nothing I’d experienced as a player before. You really do feed off that energy, and all you want to do is play well for the fans. It’s wild, the fans, the smoke, everything. When we score, you just want to run over and celebrate with them, even if you score on the opposite end of the pitch. Playing at home is the best and you know it’s going to be great on Saturday, it’s going to be packed.

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Jul 23, 2022: Canadian Premier League match between the HFX Wanderers FC and FC Edmonton at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Trevor MacMillan/HFX Wanderers FC)

Tickets for Saturday’s match are still available by clicking here