Go Media Stadium acknowledged as New Zealand’s Best and Busiest Big Venue

Auckland’s Go Media Stadium has registered a record-breaking year, ending 2024 with over half a million tickets issued for events at the venue, and winning New Zealand’s Large Venue of the Year at the annual Event and Venues Association New Zealand (EVANZ) Awards.

Last Saturday’s sold-out derby between A-League sides Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix saw attendances at the venue reach over 520,000 patrons in 2024, with one Auckland FC match still to be played this year.

The figures propel the venue to being one of the busiest stadiums in New Zealand, with 2024 having included the record-breaking sellout One New Zealand Warriors season, the birth of Auckland FC and headline shows for rock giants Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam.

The year has culminated in the stadium being crowned New Zealand’s Large Venue of the Year by industry peers at the annual EVANZ Awards at the end of last month. The EVANZ Awards recognise the contribution that venues have made to the events industry, the quality of event delivery and ongoing work to innovate and enhance at venues.

Events at Go Media Stadium will have not only provided unforgettable experiences for visitors but have also injected millions of dollars into the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland economy.

US rock icons Pearl Jam returned to Auckland for the first time in 10 years in November, wowing capacity crowds over two raucous nights. The Pearl Jam shows welcomed fans from all over New Zealand and beyond, who helped to contribute $4.9 million to Auckland’s regional GDP, with over 36,000 visitor nights booked into local accommodation for the shows.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive, Nick Hill explains “it’s been a sensational year for Go Media Stadium - one that will live long in the memory for over half a million patrons. I want to thank our tenants and hirers, whose events delivered this year have rewritten the rulebook for what can be achieved.”

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited acting-Director, Auckland Stadiums, Scott Couch added “we are so proud to have been recognised by our peers as New Zealand’s best large venue, but more than anything, we love the smiles on patrons faces as they support their home team or sing along to their favourite song. These figures show that Go Media Stadium truly is New Zealand’s favourite live entertainment venue.”

The One New Zealand Warriors sold out an incredible 10 successive home matches in 2024, the first team in NRL history to do so.

Warriors Chief Executive, Cameron George added “huge congratulations to Go Media Stadium for winning Large Venue of the Year. Go Media Stadium has been the home fortress of the One New Zealand Warriors for 30 seasons and we created history there this year with our record-breaking sellout home season.

“The stadium is a truly special place for Warriors fans and we can’t wait to get back on home turf in March 2025 for the new NRL season.”

Auckland FC launched their debut season at Go Media Stadium in October and have already enjoyed bumper crowds at the venue.

Auckland FC Chief Executive, Nick Becker went on to say “Go Media Stadium is a unique venue and Auckland FC are so proud to call this stadium our home.

“Together we have written a new chapter in New Zealand’s sporting history and it’s no surprise to see the stadium win Large Venue of the Year. On the back of another sellout this past weekend in our home derby win against Wellington Phoenix, we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together for the rest of the season”.

Leading live entertainment company Live Nation were the promoters for Pearl Jam’s headline shows at Go Media Stadium.

2025 is set to be another busy year at the venue with concerts including Fat Freddy’s Drop already lined up, and premium sporting content now hosted year-round at the stadium.

The One New Zealand Warriors kick off their home NRL season in March, while Auckland FC continue their A-League through to at least April, with at least one more home derby against Wellington Phoenix to come.

Images: Auckland’s Go Media Stadium (top), Auckland FC fans at the venue (middle) and the Foo Fighters (below).