Eden Park Concerts: Boosting Auckland’s Revenue Potential, Report Reveals

A recent analysis suggests that Eden Park Stadium in Auckland could significantly increase its economic contribution to the city. Hosting the maximum permitted 12 concerts per year could nearly triple its current annual economic impact.

Currently, the stadium is allowed to hold 12 concerts a year, while regulations are more lenient regarding sports events.

Earlier this month, the Government announced plans to review these regulations to determine if they are overly restrictive.

An independent report from Auckland University focused on events from the 2023-2024 financial year. It highlighted the positive economic effects of three major concerts along with various sports games.

The findings indicated that the stadium generates over $37 million in GDP benefits annually for Auckland.

“Essentially, the report demonstrates how events at Eden Park bolster local businesses, create job opportunities, draw visitors, and elevate Auckland’s international profile,” it stated.

Concerts were noted to deliver the most substantial economic returns. A typical major concert adds approximately $8.3 million to Auckland’s GDP, generates 114 full-time jobs, and produces almost $4.3 million in household income on event nights.

Medium-sized concerts also make a notable impact, averaging $6.4 million in GDP and 88 jobs, alongside $3.3 million in household income per event night.

Eden Park CEO Discusses Concert Constraints

Nick Sautner, the CEO of Eden Park, pointed out that several limitations exist under its current resource consent and unitary plan framework. “While Eden Park’s precinct plan allows for 12 concerts, it limits the number of artists to six within a year,” he explained. “There are also restrictions on the timing and frequency of events throughout the month.”

Sautner expressed a desire for more concerts, emphasizing their importance to the stadium’s business model. “Sports and entertainment play a pivotal role in what we do. We’ve successfully integrated concert programming and want to expand it at our national stadium,” he said.

Residents Call for More Events

Shona Tagg, spokesperson for the Eden Park Residents Association, expressed support for more concerts, suggesting that hosting all 12 allowed concerts would infuse the community with a lively atmosphere. “People genuinely want to see Eden Park utilized more and attend the events it hosts,” she shared.

Tagg added that residents desire the stadium to be used effectively throughout the year, whether for concerts or additional sports events. “If that means 12 concerts, or even more sporting events, it opens up significant opportunities for greater use of Eden Park,” she noted.

More on This Topic

Government to Review Eden Park Event Rules

Ministers aim to address outdated restrictions limiting concerts and sports at New Zealand’s largest stadium.

$70 Million Fund to Attract Global Acts

New funding aimed at supporting major events and driving regional visitor growth.

Given these findings, it’s clear that maximizing usage of Eden Park could significantly enhance both local job creation and Auckland’s economic status. What do you think the impact of more events at Eden Park could be?