Acting as the sporting heartbeat of Auckland, Mount Smart Stadium is an iconic, professional rectangular sports venue in New Zealand.
Whether it be pulsating elite or grassroots rugby matches, electrifying concerts or inclusive cultural gatherings that celebrate the diverse fabric of the nation, Mount Smart Stadium has witnessed countless epic moments and memorable events.
Subsequently, it has become an integral part of Auckland’s entertainment landscape.
In this article, we will take a look at Mount Smart Stadium as part of our series on major sports venues in Australia and New Zealand. So join us as we explore its composition and what has shaped its legacy over the years.
About the Stadium
Mt Smart Stadium is a 30,000 seater stadium in the suburb of Penrose in Auckland. Opened in 1967, a couple of years after ground was first broken, the stadium is one of New Zealand’s leading rectangular sports venues.
The stadium is notable for its two primary grandstands, located on its east and west sides. It also has a grassy hill on its northern side and a temporary arrangement of two tiers of seating on its southern end.
Rugby league and rugby union are the main sports played here, although plans have been mooted to turn the stadium into a speedway venue. However, this does not seem to have much traction behind it at the moment.
As well as being a sports venue, the stadium has also held concerts performed by some of the biggest names in the music business.
Naming Rights
The stadium is officially known as the Go Media Stadium after a deal for naming rights was signed on 15th May 2023.
For one day, on 14 July 2017, when the Warriors played the Panthers, it was temporarily called the Manu Vatuvei Stadium in honour of Manu Vatuvei, the retiring club legend.
What Sports are Played at the Stadium?
The main sport played at Mount Smart Stadium is rugby league.
Currently, the ground is the home turf of the New Zealand Warriors, with the men’s and women’s teams competing in the NRL.
As of 2022, the Moana Pasifika team have also started playing their home games in the Super Rugby Union competition.
What Other Sports Have Been Played There?
Aside from rugby league, the stadium has hosted FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches. In 1982 the All Whites men’s national team played all their home matches here en route to qualifying for their first ever World Cup tournament.
Additionally, the World Series Cricket tour of New Zealand took place here in 1978 when three matches were played at the stadium.
The venue has also hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Other Events
As well as being a sports ground, Mount Smart Stadium is also a renowned concert venue. Over the years, the stadium has hosted some of the biggest names in the music business.
Elton John was the first to perform here in 1984 during his Too Low For Zero tour. Since then, the likes of Queen, Bob Dylan, Dire Straits, Guns & Roses, Eric Clapton and AC/DC have all performed too.
More recently, Harry Styles, Coldplay, Adele, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheran and Paul McCartney have hosted gigs.
The stadium was also the venue for Auckland’s Big Day Out in 2012.
Facilities
To enhance the overall experience of spectators and concert goers, Mount Smart Stadium offers a range of facilities.
Boasting a seating capacity of 30,000 for sports matches, each seat provides an excellent view of the action. For concerts, the capacity can be increased to 47,000 by enabling people to sit on chairs on the pitch.
The stadium has a big screen electronic scoreboard, a good PA system and floodlights. It also has several food outlets and multiple restroom facilities throughout the venue. These restrooms are well-maintained and equipped to accommodate the needs of the visitors.
Additionally, the stadium offers accessible facilities for people with disabilities, including designated parking spaces, ramps, and accessible seating areas to ensure an inclusive experience for all attendees.
There are also about 1500 parking spaces onsite for those driving to the ground.
How to get to the stadium
As Mount Smart Stadium is conveniently located, there are several ways you can get to a match or concert.
If you’re driving, you can reach Mount Smart Stadium via the Southern Motorway (State Highway 1). Take the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway exit and follow the signs to the stadium. There is limited parking available on-site. However, other paid parking is available close to the ground.
Auckland’s public transport system is pretty good. So you should have no qualms about taking buses or trains. Buses will drop you right outside the ground, while you can walk to the stadium from either the Penrose or Ellerslie Train Stations.
Perhaps the most convenient way to get to the ground is via taxi or Uber, which will pick you up or drop you off in a hassle-free way. That said, there are several bike racks at the stadium should you want to cycle there, while you can also walk depending on where you happen to be or are staying in the city.
Food Options
There are a variety of food options available to satisfy your hunger during matches and events at the stadium.
As well as all the usual stadium fare like hot dogs, burgers and hot chips, the food outlets also offer international dishes such as tacos and nachos.
Often there are also food trucks situated in or around the stadium, which offer a diverse range of street food and snacks. These food trucks usually feature flavours from around the world, which further diversify your culinary options.
For vegetarians, vegans and those with dietary requirements for gluten- or dairy-free food, there are outlets that cater to their needs too.
Additionally, to support the food options, there are several bars located within the stadium where you can grab a refreshing beverage to complement your meal.
Accommodation near the ground
Should you need a place to stay when watching a match or concert at the Mount Smart Stadium, there are several good options available.
Located within walking distance of the stadium, Mount Richmond Hotel is a terrific choice as it offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant and bar, which is handy if you don’t fancy going out.
The Novotel Auckland Ellerslie is also not far from the stadium. It is a well-known hotel with a very good reputation which has spacious rooms and good facilities like an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness centre and free parking.
Not too far away from there is the Ibis Auckland Ellerslie, which is renowned for its comfortable and affordable accommodation. The modern rooms have a good range of amenities, including a double bed and ensuite bathroom, while the hotel itself offers convenient access to local attractions.
For those wanting more of a boutique style hotel, the Greenlane Suites should be more to your liking. Situated in the suburb of Greenlane, it is just a short drive from Mount Smart Stadium. It also has stylish rooms and excellent, personalised service.
Should you prefer self-contained units with kitchen facilities, the Sylvia Park Motel in Mount Wellington has some of the best in town. It is a great choice for families or those seeking more independence as it is close to the popular Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, which has lots of supermarkets and shops.
Good pubs to visit
Before or after watching a match at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, there are several terrific pubs in the surrounding area you can choose to visit.
Located just a short distance from the ground, The Good Home offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for sports fans. The pub features a wide range of craft beers, spirits, and delicious pub-style food. It also has friendly staff, a cosy ambience and a good food menu.
Alternatively, over in nearby Māngere, The Jolly Farmer is a classic neighbourhood pub you should enjoy visiting. It has a nice, relaxed atmosphere and serves a variety of alcoholic drinks, including a selection of local beers and ciders. The pub also offers hearty pub meals, making it an ideal spot for a pre-game bite or post-event gathering.
A little bit further away from the stadium, Galbraith’s Alehouse is a much loved institution among beer enthusiasts. You’ll find it in the suburb of Mt Eden and should be impressed with its excellent range of craft beers that are brewed on-site. The pub also offers a cosy setting with a traditional English-style atmosphere, while their food menu complements a wide selection of beverages.
Another option is The Kingslander in Kingsland, which is just a short distance from the stadium. It is a popular pub for sports fans as it is known for its lively atmosphere, it also features multiple large screens for watching games and a big selection of beers on tap.
Similarly, Brother’s Beer is a craft brewery located in Mt Eden. They have a taproom where you can sample their diverse range of beers, including seasonal and limited releases. It also has a relaxed setting and friendly staff which makes for a pleasant place to enjoy a drink.
Quick Stats
Address: 2 Beasley Avenue, Penrose, Auckland 1061
Capacity: 30,000 sports, 47,000 concerts
Opened: 1967
Construction Cost: Not Recorded
Field size: Not Recorded
Record attendance: 45,000, Adele Concert 2017