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Mount Smart Stadium

Coordinates: 36°55′6″S 174°48′45″E / 36.91833°S 174.81250°E / -36.91833; 174.81250
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Go Media Stadium
Map
Former namesMt Smart Stadium (1967–1995, 2007–2023)
Ericsson Stadium (1995–2006)
Address2 Beasley Ave
Penrose, Auckland 1061
LocationAuckland, New Zealand
Coordinates36°55′6″S 174°48′45″E / 36.91833°S 174.81250°E / -36.91833; 174.81250
OwnerAuckland Unlimited, Auckland Council (indirectly through Auckland Unlimited)
OperatorAuckland Stadiums (division of Auckland Unlimited)
CapacitySports: 25,000
Concerts: 47,000
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Broke ground1965
Opened1967
Tenants
New Zealand Warriors (NRL) / (SL) (1995–present)
Auckland Vulcans (NSWRL) (2008–2013)
Counties Manukau Rugby Union (ITM Cup) (2006–2008)
Moana Pasifika (Super Rugby) (2021–2022)
Football Kingz (NSL) (1999–2004)
Auckland FC (A-League Men) (2024–present)

Mount Smart Stadium, currently known as Go Media Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a multi-purpose stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the main home ground of the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League and Auckland FC of the A-League Men, and occasionally hosts rugby union and international rugby league matches. Built within the quarried remnants of the Rarotonga / Mount Smart volcanic cone, it is located 10 kilometres south of the city centre, in the suburb of Penrose.

History

[edit]
Big Day Out Double Stages, Auckland 2007

The Mount Smart Domain Board was established in 1943 with the purpose of transforming the former quarry site into a public reserve.[citation needed] In 1953, a plan was approved for a sports stadium which was officially opened in 1967. In 1978, it hosted 3 matches of the World Series Cricket tour of New Zealand. The stadium hosted track and field events including the highly successful Pan Am series during the early 1980s.

During the 1988 Great Britain Lions tour the Auckland rugby league team defeated the tourists 30–14 at Mt Smart before a crowd of 8,000. Mount Smart hosted its first rugby league international on 23 July 1989 when New Zealand and Australia played the third test of the Kangaroos 1989 New Zealand Tour. In front of 15,000 fans, Australia defeated the Kiwis 22–14 to wrap up the series 3–0.

The stadium was chosen as the Main Athletics Stadium as well as the opening and closing ceremonies venue of the 1990 Commonwealth Games. It was where the New Zealand men's national football team (the All Whites) played all their home qualifying games for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. This was the first occasion that New Zealand had qualified for a FIFA World Cup and the event captured the imagination of the nation with large crowds packing the stadium.

Adele holds the attendance record of the stadium, with 45,000 fans, who saw her play at Adele Live 2017.[1] Ericsson Stadium was the host of the Super League's 1997 World Club Championship Final between Australian teams the Brisbane Broncos and Hunter Mariners. In front of 12,000 fans, the Broncos defeated the Mariners 36–12. Ericsson Stadium hosted three-quarters of the 1999 Rugby League Tri-nations' games, including the final, which New Zealand lost 20–22.

Go Media Stadium at Auckland FC's inaugural A-League game

The stadium is now owned by the Auckland Council, following the merger of Auckland's regional authorities and managed by Auckland Stadiums.[2] During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the back of the grandstand roof at Mount Smart was used for Bungee jumping. Following the first rugby league test at the stadium in 1989, Australian captain Wally Lewis and teammate Peter Jackson both 'took the plunge'.

Mount Smart Stadium also hosted the first standalone NRL Women's Premiership match between the New Zealand Warriors and St. George Illawarra Dragons on 22 September 2019.[3] The Dragons won this match 26–6.[4]

Naming rights

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Panoramic image of Mt Smart Stadium in 2006

As of 12 July 2006, the stadium reverted to its original name, Mt Smart Stadium. In a press release, the Auckland Regional Council, owners of the stadium, stated they had considered other offers, but felt they did not suit.[citation needed] Auckland Regional Council did not actively pursue a replacement sponsor.

On 14 July 2017 the Stadium was temporarily renamed Manu Vatuvei Stadium for the Warriors vs Panthers game where the Warriors bid farewell to club legend Manu Vatuvei.

On 15 May 2023, the stadium became known as Go Media Stadium when Auckland Stadiums signed a naming rights deal with the advertising company.[5][6] On 10 July 2024, the naming rights deal was extended until at least May 2028.[7]

On 18 August 2023, the stadium was renamed Daniel Anderson Stadium for one day only as a fundraiser for former NZ Warriors coach Daniel Anderson who became an incomplete quadriplegic after a bodysurfing accident in 2022.[8]

On 19 August, 2024, the stadium was renamed Shaun Johnson Stadium for one week to commemorate the final home game of Shaun Johnson's career on 23 August, 2024 before his retirement after the season.[9]

Aerial view of the stadium

Tenants

[edit]
The South Stand at Mt Smart Stadium, shot from the northern end of the stadium. Warriors Open Day, February 2005.

It currently serves as the home ground for the New Zealand Warriors in the Australian National Rugby League and NRL Women's Premiership. It is the former home of the Football Kingz of the Australian National Soccer League; however, its A-League successor, the now defunct New Zealand Knights, played on the other side of Waitematā Harbour at North Harbour Stadium.

The Moana Pasifika Super Rugby team started utilising the stadium as its home ground in 2022.

The Athletics Ground (officially Mt Smart Stadium Number 2) hosts athletics meets. It also holds local rugby league matches and serves as the home ground for the Auckland franchise in the Bartercard Premiership.

In March 2024, new A-League Men club Auckland FC was announced to be playing their first season at this venue.[10] In July 2024, it was announced that the club had signed a five-year deal meaning the stadium would be Auckland FC's home until at least 2029.[7]

Rugby league test matches

[edit]

A list of rugby league test and World Cup matches played at Mount Smart Stadium.

Test# Date Result Attendance Notes
1 23 July 1989 Australia  def.  New Zealand 22–14 15,000 1989–1992 World Cup Game 1
1989 Trans-Tasman Test series Game 3
2 8 July 1990 Great Britain  def. New Zealand New Zealand 16–14 7,843 1990 New Zealand vs Great Britain 2nd Test
3 20 June 1993 New Zealand New Zealand drew with Australia Australia 14–14 22,994 1993 Trans-Tasman Test series Game 1
4 9 June 1995 New Zealand New Zealand def.  France 22–6 15,000 1995 New Zealand vs France series
5 18 October 1996 New Zealand New Zealand def. United Kingdom Great Britain 17–12 7,400 1996 New Zealand vs Great Britain Game 1
6 15 October 1999 New Zealand New Zealand def. Australia Australia 24–22 22,540 1999 Tri-Nations Game 1
7 26 October 1999 New Zealand New Zealand def. United Kingdom Great Britain 26–4 14,040 1999 Tri-Nations Game 3
8 5 November 1999 Australia Australia def. New Zealand New Zealand 22–20 21,204 1999 Tri-Nations Final
9 10 June 2001 New Zealand New Zealand def. France France 36–0 4,500
10 21 October 2005 Australia Australia def. New Zealand New Zealand 28–26 15,400 2005 Tri-Nations Game 2
11 14 October 2006 Australia Australia def. New Zealand New Zealand 30–18 17,887 2006 Tri-Nations Game 1
12 18 October 2008 New Zealand New Zealand def.  Tonga 56–8
13 16 October 2010 New Zealand New Zealand def.  Samoa 50–6 11,512
14 28 October 2017 New Zealand New Zealand def.  Samoa 38–8 17,857 2017 World Cup Group B
15 25 November 2017 England England def.  Tonga 20–18 30,003 2017 World Cup Semi-final
16 13 October 2018  New Zealand def.  Australia 26–24 12,763
17 20 October 2018  Australia def.  Tonga 34–16 26,214
18 22 June 2019  New Zealand def.  Tonga 34–14 23,634 2019 Oceania Cup
19 25 June 2022  New Zealand def.  Tonga 26–6 20,766
20 2 November 2024  Tonga def.  New Zealand 25–24 22,363 2024 Pacific Championships

Concerts

[edit]

The capacity of the stadium for concerts is roughly 47,000 people. This can be expanded to 60,000 when the temporary north and south stands are installed. A list of concerts held at the stadium are included in the table below:

Mount Smart Stadium was the Auckland venue of the Big Day Out music festival until 2012. In 2014, Western Springs Stadium served as the venue for the festival in Auckland. Among the concerts hosted were Rainbow Warrior Benefit Concert (Greenpeace 1986) featuring multiple artists including Neil Young on acoustic guitar and Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Topp Twins, Dave Dobbyn and a Split Enz reunion[52] within Mt Smart Stadium.

An album of Maori artists who came to support the aims of the Mt. Smart Stadium project was released in 1981.[53] It was called The Mauri Hikitia. It reached no 4 on the New Zealand charts.[54] It featured Rhonda, Ken Kincaid, Deane Waretini, and the Lightwood family.[55]


References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Adele's second show: Fans pour into Mt Smart". The New Zealand Herald. New Zealand. 25 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  2. ^ "Regional Facilities". Auckland Council. 12 April 2011.
  3. ^ "Dragons for Mount Smart NRLW game". New Zealand Warriors. 8 September 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  4. ^ Reive, Christopher (22 September 2019). "Rugby league: Warriors succumb to late Dragons surge in first NRLW home game". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Go Media secures Mt Smart Stadium naming rights". Auckland Stadiums. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  6. ^ Long, David (15 May 2023). "Auckland Stadiums secures naming rights sponsor for Mt Smart Stadium". stuff.co.nz. Stuff Limited. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Auckland FC sign five-year stadium deal". RNZ. 10 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  8. ^ "Warriors pay tribute to former coach". RNZ. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  9. ^ "Shaun Johnson honoured with stadium name change". RNZ. 20 August 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  10. ^ "Auckland FC named as newest A-League team". RNZ. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  11. ^ "Making their much-awaited return to Australia + New Zealand in February & March 2015". Frontier Touring. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  12. ^ "Foo Fighters". eventfinda.co.nz. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  13. ^ "Foo Fighter return to NZ". therock.net.nz. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  14. ^ Schulz, Chris (22 February 2015). "Concert review: Foo Fighters, Mt Smart Stadium". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  15. ^ "Eagles "History of the Eagles" Tour – 2nd Auckland show". scoop.co.nz. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  16. ^ Cawley, Rose (15 March 2015). "Review: The Eagles in Auckland". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  17. ^ Baillie, Russell (15 March 2015). "Concert review: The Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  18. ^ "Eagles Live in Concert". The Sound. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  19. ^ "Fleetwood Mac". Under the Radar. 20 March 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  20. ^ "Fleetwood Mac". eventfinda.co.nz. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  21. ^ Jenkin, Lydia (21 November 2015). "Concert review: Fleetwood Mac, Mt Smart, Auckland". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  22. ^ "Second Fleetwood Mac concert for Auckland". stuff.co.nz. 1 April 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  23. ^ "Fleetwood Mac Live in NZ". The Sound. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  24. ^ "Ed Sheeran Announces Mt Smart Stadium Concert". eventfinda.co.nz. 30 April 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  25. ^ Bache, Rachel (13 December 2015). "Review: Ed Sheeran, Mt Smart Stadium". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  26. ^ Yates, Siena (13 December 2015). "Review: Talented Ed Sheeran wows in tour finale in Auckland". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  27. ^ Aznuoni, Mario (19 May 2016). "Coldplay heading to Kiwi shores". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  28. ^ Slade, Maria (17 June 2016). "Secondary school athletics moved from Mt Smart because of Coldplay concert". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  29. ^ "New Tickets Released for Coldplay's Only New Zealand Show". scoop.co.nz. 8 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  30. ^ "Coldplay is banning everything from backpacks to branded food to studded belts at their Auckland show". The New Zealand Herald. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  31. ^ "What to expect from this weekend's Coldplay concert in Auckland". The New Zealand Herald. 3 December 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  32. ^ Hunkin, Joanna (3 December 2016). "Coldplay review: 'Joyful and bombastic'". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  33. ^ Barratt, Nicole (4 December 2016). "Neil Finn surprise cameo at Coldplay's Auckland concert". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  34. ^ Hurley, Bevan (4 December 2016). "Coldplay trip the light fantastic at Mt Smart Stadium". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  35. ^ Bamber, Shaun (13 September 2016). "Bruce Springsteen announces two NZ shows". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  36. ^ "Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Returning To New Zealand". Under The Radar. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  37. ^ "Bruce Springsteen announces NZ tour". Newshub. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  38. ^ "Bruce Springsteen returning to New Zealand in 2017". Newstalk ZB. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  39. ^ "Bringing the Purpose World Tour to Australian & New Zealand stadiums in March 2017". Frontier Touring. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  40. ^ "Justin Bieber is bringing his Purpose World Tour to New Zealand". stuff.co.nz. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  41. ^ "Justin Bieber: NZ and Australian tour dates announced". scoop.co.nz. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  42. ^ "Pop sensation Adele is coming to New Zealand for one show only". The New Zealand Herald. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  43. ^ "Adele to play Mt Smart Stadium in March 2017". Newshub. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  44. ^ "Adele announces one-off Auckland concert". stuff.co.nz. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  45. ^ "ADELE Live 2017 – New Zealand Tour Confirmed". scoop.co.nz. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  46. ^ "Adele's NZ tour 2017: Adele pre-sales sell out within 15 minutes". stuff.co.nz. 22 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  47. ^ "ADELE – Live 2017 – second Auckland concert announced". scoop.co.nz. 23 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  48. ^ "Adele – Live 2017 – Second Auckland Concert Announced". The 13th Floor. 23 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  49. ^ "All three Adele NZ shows sold out". stuff.co.nz. 24 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  50. ^ "GIG GUIDE – EVENT DETAILS". Under the Radar. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  51. ^ "Paul McCartney announces New Zealand tour details". Newshub. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  52. ^ "Rainbow Warrior music festival". NZHistory. History Group of the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  53. ^ National Library of New Zealand The Mauri Hikitia album (sound recording) / various artists.
  54. ^ The Official NZ Music Charts 14 June 1981, CHART #287, Top 10 Compilation
  55. ^ Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Object: The Mauri Hikitia Album
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