Western Springs Stadium - an important venue in Auckland's stadium network.
Following a robust public process, the future use of Western Springs Stadium is closer to being decided – a further developed ‘Western Springs Bowl’ concept is set to go to Auckland Council’s Governing Body for a final decision later this month.
Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) – the stadium’s owner – have continued to explore the best use for the stadium as part of an open ‘expressions of interest’ (EOI) process, which began in 2024 and included public feedback in 2025.
TAU has developed a refined ‘Western Springs Bowl’ concept. It retains the event-related benefits of the original proposal and the continued presence of Ponsonby Rugby Club, while reducing the level of ratepayer funding required.
TAU’s recommendation to the council’s Governing Body aims to make the most of this important regional asset in Auckland’s stadium network.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says she looks forward to considering the recommendation from TAU with the full council at the end of March.
“This process has been about unlocking the full potential of Western Springs Stadium so it can be used more often and by more people.
“As a key venue in our stadium network, the right solution will strengthen this iconic asset as a multi-use facility for sport, festivals, concerts and community events,” says Deputy Mayor Simpson.
TAU’s recommendation proposes the installation of semi-permanent staging to cater primarily to festivals and concerts up to 30,000 people, alongside an upgraded boutique sports configuration catering primarily for events up to 5000 fans. This would be achieved with an investment of up to $2.5 million from TAU’s existing capital funding budget.
TAU Chief Executive Nick Hill is enthusiastic about the opportunities that the redeveloped concept can generate for Auckland.
“TAU regrouped after last year’s consultation and subsequent withdrawal of Option 1. As the stadium’s owners, we know how crucial it is to find the best future use for all Aucklanders.
“This summer’s concerts at the stadium had an incredible impact culturally and economically for Tāmaki Makaurau, so we are excited by the future opportunities the Western Springs Bowl concept would deliver.
“The redeveloped proposal is cost-effective for ratepayers and can deliver a fit-for-purpose venue with immediate benefits, giving promoters confidence ahead of next summer’s concert season,” says Nick Hill.
“Based on a March decision, promoters could start marketing the Western Springs Bowl, with the boutique sports stadium operational by September and the concert/ festival elements ready from October 2026,” he says.
The original Western Springs Bowl concept, initially proposed during the EOI process by a consortium of music promoters alongside current tenant Ponsonby Rugby Club, scored well during the EOI evaluation. However, TAU estimated it would require approximately $106.7 million in ratepayer funding over a 50-year period. The more developed bowl concept drastically reduces ratepayer funding required and will see event-related revenues offset ongoing venue maintenance and operational costs.
Thirty per cent of submitters in the council’s 2025 public consultation on Western Springs Stadium options favoured a Western Springs Bowl concept, with higher levels of support from those living closest to the venue: 47 per cent of Waitematā Local Board residents were supportive, and 41 per cent support in Albert-Eden.
Within the regional stadium network, Western Springs Bowl would provide mid-sized venue capacity larger than Spark Arena, but below major venues such as Go Media Stadium and Eden Park.
The final decision on this proposal will be made by the Governing Body when it meets on 31 March.
More information
For music lovers:
The Bowl concept means that TAU could cost-effectively leverage Western Springs Stadium’s natural amphitheatre and concert heritage to create Auckland’s only dedicated outdoor concert venue, and support Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as a UNESCO city of music.
The installation of permanent staging and VIP infrastructure would make the stadium much more financially viable for event promoters and is therefore expected to lift the volume of activity and subsequent financial returns.
For sports fans:
The concept includes the installation of temporary infrastructure to create a lounge and viewing deck for boutique stadium sporting events. This will make the venue better suited to crowds of up to 5000 people and will be ideal for events such as rugby.
Ponsonby Rugby Club, an existing long-term tenant with a lease due to expire in 2027, will be granted a five-year lease extension, with a two-year notice period if TAU should intend to end the lease at a future date.
For speedway fans:
Since March 2025, the existing arrangements at Western Springs Stadium have not included speedway. Auckland Council invested $11 million to consolidate speedway to Waikaraka Park and the open-wheel speedway class began racing at Waikaraka Park at the end of 2025.