Auckland FC home base is Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s preferred option for Western Springs Stadium

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

A render of the Auckland Arena proposal for Western Springs in sport mode.

Auckland FC have moved a step closer to having a permanent home base in the wake of their historic A-League Men Premiership win last weekend.

The Auckland Arena proposal – backed by club owners Bill Foley, Anna Mowbray, Ali Williams and Bennett Rosenthal, who are prepared to collectively invest $300 million – has been designated as Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's preferred option for Western Springs in its post-speedway era, following an expression of interest phase.

It includes a rectangular stadium with a capacity between 12,500 and 15,000, which would become Auckland FC's home ground, and could also host concerts; additional fields for high performance and community sport, including a training pitch for AFC; basketball and padel courts; high performance sport and medical facilities; community facilities; and hospitality venues.

Auckland Council is set to vote on Thursday on whether to move to a public consultation phase, where feedback will be sought on whether to proceed with the Auckland Arena proposal; the competing Western Springs Bowl proposal, which envisions the site being used as a venue for concerts and festivals, while remaining home to Ponsonby Rugby Club in a 5000 to 8000-seat boutique stadium; or to explore other options.

A final decision from the council is expected at the end of July.

Commitment to a proposal would take into account public feedback and be subject to due diligence, the completion of a full business case for the proposal and negotiations with its backers.

Auckland FC have played their home matches at Go Media Stadium during their inaugural season in A-League Men, while training during the week at North Harbour Stadium.

Their average attendance through 13 regular season matches is 18,101 – the best mark in the competition since the 2018-19 season.

They would look at taking big matches – such as New Zealand derbies against the Wellington Phoenix – to larger venues if Auckland Arena did come to fruition.

Auckland won the Premiership by finishing at the top of the table at the end of the 26-match regular season and are now looking to complete the double by winning the Championship, contested by the top six teams.

They are set to host the second leg of a home-and-away semifinal at Go Media Stadium on the weekend of May 24, with the grand final to follow – if they win – on the weekend of May 31.

A render of Auckland Arena in sport mode.

Why Auckland Arena is the preferred option

In putting Auckland Arena forward as its preferred option for Western Springs, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited said “the proposal strongly aligns with the Tātaki trust deed and council’s stadium investment objectives”.

“It offers a major financial and infrastructure contribution to Auckland sport, with no additional cost or ongoing reliance on ratepayer funding after one-off funding that may be required to cover displacement of Ponsonby Rugby and upgrade of Stadium Road (estimated at $13 million)

“The proponent has a strong track record in delivering large-scale stadium projects.

“The concept is innovative, with flexible community uses and improved connections to the surrounding precinct and attractions.

“It is expected to boost attendance and utilisation at Western Springs Stadium, while supporting access for community groups.

“The development helps address a recognised gap in the fast-growing sports of football, basketball, and padel.”