Eden Park achieves record-breaking financial results in past year

Auckland’s Eden Park has recorded a net operating profit of $8.27 million in the 12 months to 31st October 2023, a $4.6 million increase over the previous year, marking the best results in the stadium’s history.

The financial results follow venue announcing earlier this month that it had welcomed a record 1,031,714 patrons during the year.

Highlights of the 12 months to 31st October 2023 at New Zealand’s largest stadium included:

1. Revenue growth: Eden Park has achieved an outstanding 125% increase in total revenue for the year which it attributes to its major event calendar, enhancing stadium utilisation by offering a diverse range of events and functions, supplementary non-game day revenue streams, operational efficiency, and strategic partnerships.

2. Sold-Out Events: Hosting over a million people at a diverse range of events and functions, Eden Park saw nearly 100,000 Ed Sheeran fans attended two concerts and 371,000 sport fans enjoyed fixtures at Eden Park. Notably, Eden Park recorded New Zealand’s biggest football match attendance, male or female, with 43,217 people packing the stadium for three FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.

3. Operational Efficiency: Eden Park continued to demonstrate operational excellence, optimising costs without compromising the quality of event delivery.

4. Strategic Partnerships: Eden Park continued to forge strategic relationships with key partners, hirers, sponsors and the community to provide opportunities to fully utilise Eden Park. These collaborations not only enhanced overall fan engagement but also demonstrated the stadium as a platform for businesses to connect with their stakeholders.

5. Sustainability Action Plan: Eden Park has introduced a Sustainability Action Plan focused on economic development, environmental resilience and social well-being. This Plan leverages existing sustainability projects including conversion of stadium lighting to LED, removal of plastics from food & beverage operations, Morningside Urban Market Garden, onsite composting, Eden Park beehives, integrated ticketing to encourage use of public transport, installation of Quiet Rooms for visitors with sensory needs, installation of EV charging stations, use of virtual on-field logos, water harvesting for irrigation, e-waste and water bore collaboration with WaterCare which saves 16m litres of water every year.

Welcoming the results, Eden Park Chief Executive, Nick Sautner stated “2023 was a remarkable year and we are incredibly proud of the historic financial results achieved. The year started out as one of the most significant in our history but also presented a number of challenges. Two weeks before hosting two Ed Sheeran concerts, extreme weather events put our hallowed turf underwater and while the decision to go ahead was a brave one, it ensured nearly 100,000 Ed Sheeran fans were able to enjoy the magic of Ed himself.

“This outstanding performance reflects the commitment of our team to delivering exceptional experiences for everyone who comes through our doors, and the loyal support of our partners, hirers and local community. Eden Park is a truly multi-purpose, hybrid venue, and these results reinforce the stadium’s position as a leader in the live events industry, a strategic asset for New Zealand and a community asset for Auckland.

“From two sold-out Ed Sheeran concerts, the world-renowned Te Matatini kapa haka festival, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup right through to Super Bash, Art in the Park and free community events such as Wahs Under the Stars and Paris at the Park, every event we hosted created a legacy - a memorable moment for those who attended and a positive impact on our wider community.

“We look forward to building on the success of 2023 in the coming years, especially as we develop Eden Park 2.1 - a financially and environmentally responsible approach to delivering a world-class hybrid, multi-purpose stadium. Our commitment to being a cornerstone of our community and delivering events which contribute to the vibrancy of our city and country, showcases New Zealand on the global stage.”

Click here to view the Eden Park annual report.

Lower image: Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.