Auckland FC Restructures Stadium Plans for Future Growth

Auckland FC has revised its stadium strategy, opting to maintain a dual stadium arrangement rather than pursuing the development of a dedicated home ground. The A-League club announced plans to extend its stay at both Go Media Mt Smart Stadium and North Harbour Stadium, following the withdrawal of a proposal to convert Western Springs Stadium into Auckland Arena. This decision stems from challenges surrounding public land use, as confirmed by club officials.

In 2022, Auckland FC secured a five-year agreement to host home games at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium. Additionally, the club established a three-year arrangement with North Harbour Stadium for training purposes. Auckland FC’s chief executive officer, Nick Becker, expressed a desire to negotiate longer terms with both venues, which are located nearly 30 kilometers apart. Becker noted that both stadiums fit the club’s operational needs well.

The shorter contract with North Harbour Stadium served as a precaution, given the club’s uncertainty about how the venue would meet its requirements during its inaugural season. Since then, Auckland FC has made several modifications to the facility, including the addition of a kitchen, gym, and conversion of corporate boxes into offices and a players’ lounge, creating a more comfortable environment.

Looking ahead, Becker emphasized the need for expanded facilities, particularly with plans to incorporate a women’s team, youth programs, and reserves. “The guys love it up here,” Becker remarked about the Albany base as players entered pre-season training ahead of the A-League season commencing on October 17, 2023. He added, “We’re really happy up at North Harbour. We’d love to continue to be here for a longer term.”

Auckland FC envisions transforming North Harbour Stadium into a high-performance center. This idea, which has been proposed for decades, may finally gain traction with the recent retention of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as the operator of North Harbour Stadium and the surrounding Domain Precinct. Following a search for a new operator, the council-controlled organization aims to enhance community engagement and improve financial performance.

According to Nick Hill, chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the organization will “pursue a refocused operational model at North Harbour Stadium.” The North Harbour Steering Group, in collaboration with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, is currently working on determining the long-term future of the stadium and its precinct. This process will focus on ownership, funding, governance, and operational management, with a decision expected by December 2026.

Auckland FC shares training facilities with the Super Rugby Pacific team, Moana Pasifika, and plays its home games at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium alongside the Warriors NRL club. Becker reported that scheduling conflicts were successfully managed during the previous season, where both A-League and NRL seasons overlapped.

As the club prepares for the upcoming season, Becker indicated that a draft draw for the 2025/26 A-League season is in the works. He anticipates that “key fixtures” will be announced to fans in the coming week, ensuring excitement as the season approaches.