Auckland is the undisputed sporting capital of New Zealand, and this weekend proves it. I’ll be keeping my hats on heavy rotation to make sure I’m backing the right team on the right day.
On Friday night at Go Media Stadium, the Warriors kick off what will hopefully be an NRL Premiership winning season, by taking on the Roosters.
On Saturday, a massive double-header, the Blues play their arch-rivals, the Crusaders at Eden Park, while earlier on Saturday it’s Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse. The main race at Ellerslie will be the NZB Kiwi, New Zealand’s richest race, with a record $4 million in stakes and bonuses. You could buy a lot of traffic cones for that! New Zealand racing’s hottest property, Well Written is the short-priced favourite, but remember folks, gamble responsibly!
New Zealand’s newest athletics sensation, 16-year-old Sam Ruthe is going up against Sam Tanner over 1500m at the NZ Track and Field Championships at Trust Stadium on Saturday, and at Auckland Domain, people will get the chance to experience urban polo and take in a spectator-friendly version of this unique sport.
On Sunday, Auckland FC take on Perth Glory at Go Media Stadium at 3pm as Steve Corica’s team continue to strive to top spot on the A-League ladder. The four codes have come together to work with Discover Auckland to promote these events under the Football, Fillies and Fans banner.
And if that’s not enough for you, there’s also the ISPS Handa Japan-Australasia Championship at the Royal Auckland and Grange club over the weekend, plus Round the Bays on Sunday morning, with 10s of thousands of people pounding the pavement, often for good causes.
It’s pleasing to see the sports unite and try to help each other. This City of Sails is big enough for them all to thrive.
A bumper sporting weekend like this highlights Auckland’s status as a truly international city. I’m sure there will be huge crowds flocking to these events and I’ll be trying to get to as many of them as possible myself.
See you out there.