De Gabriele, South Coast Football bid chairman, hopes 10,000 people will watch Sydney FC tackle Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, August 2.

"We want to show that we can get maybe 10,000 here - we need a big response from the public," he said.

"Come on South Coast, come on Illawarra, get out and show that we want a team in the A-League.

"We need you now - now."

The Wollongong-based South Coast bid is one of 10 that have applied for entry into an expanded A-League competition for 2009-10.

"The current record for an A-League game in Wollongong is 6334. I'm looking to make a demonstration of our commitment and engagement with the community to the FFA (Football Federation Australia)," De Gabriele said.

"If we don't get a crowd that would show that the demand isn't there for an A-League side on the South Coast."

De Gabriele wants the fixture to be a showpiece of football's strength on the South Coast.

To that end, there is a special football family ticket offer for all Illawarra clubs - buy 11 tickets for $150 and get five free.

Tickets can be purchased from the WIN Entertainment Centre box office with club identification.

Corporate tickets are $60 and can only be bought from the WIN Entertainment Centre box office.

General admission tickets, which are $15 for adults and $5 for children, are on sale from all Ticketek outlets on Monday.

The August 2 fixture will be preceded by a feature Illawarra Football Association match and small-sided games featuring Roo Ball sides.

South Coast A-League bid organisers hope to roll out merchandise at the match and announce foundation supporters' packages.