Location and Accessibility
Constructed within the remaining quarried portions of the Rarotonga/Mount Smart volcanic cone, this site is positioned 10 kilometres to the south of the city centre, situated in the Penrose suburb. Go Media Stadium, Mount Smart’s more commercial name, is situated near the intersection of Church Street and Maurice Road, in close proximity to the Penrose railway station.
For events, there is accessible car parking, but the quantity and locations may differ. Refer to the Auckland Stadiums accessibility page for detailed information. Mobility seating is provided at events, the availability of which depends on the specific event. Ticketmaster, the primary ticketing provider, will assist in determining the most suitable options for attendees. For those booking wheelchair spaces, companion seats are offered, and guide dogs are welcomed at our venues. Additional details can be found on Ticketmaster’s Help page. Disabled toilets are conveniently located throughout the venue for accessibility.
Facilities and Amenities
For significant gatherings such as concerts and sporting events, onsite parking is not provided. During these events, parking is accessible on the surrounding streets of Go Media Stadium Mt Smart (note that certain streets may be closed for event logistics). Local businesses offer their premises for event parking at a nominal fee.
Parking for function attendees, outside of event times, can be accessed via O’Rorke Road. Limited onsite parking is available during athletics events and can be accessed via O’Rorke Road. For Warriors games, designated mobility parking is situated on Beasley Ave. Patrons must show their mobility permit to traffic control staff for access; pre-registration is not necessary. For all other events, mobility parking is available via O’Rorke Road. If you require mobility parking for a concert, please email [email protected] with your permit number, event name, and date to register. Your permit must also be presented upon entry. Campervan/Motorhome parking is not offered onsite. Coach parking for concerts is typically located on Hugo Johnson Drive.
Throughout the stadium, food and beverage outlets are strategically positioned near patron seating. Depending on the event’s scale, the stadium outlets may be complemented by mobile concession outlets. Bar services are accessible at most events.
Seating Arrangements
The seating capacity of the venue is 25,000 for sports events and 47,000 for concerts. The capacity for concerts can further be increased to 60,000 by installing temporary north and south stands.
Sports at Mount Smart
Mount Smart Stadium has a rich history that spans various sports and events. In 1978, the stadium hosted three matches as part of the World Series Cricket tour of New Zealand. During the early 1980s, it became a prominent venue for track and field events, including the highly successful Pan Am series. On July 23, 1989, Mount Smart witnessed its inaugural rugby league international, featuring a clash between New Zealand and Australia as part of the Kangaroos’ 1989 New Zealand Tour.
The significance of Mount Smart Stadium continued to grow, and it was selected as the Main Athletics Stadium for the 1990 Commonwealth Games. It played a crucial role in the New Zealand men’s national football team’s (the All Whites) journey to the 1982 FIFA World Cup, hosting all their home qualifying games. This marked New Zealand’s first-ever qualification for a FIFA World Cup and garnered widespread national support, with large crowds filling the venue.
Currently owned by the Auckland Council and managed by Auckland Stadiums, Mount Smart Stadium has been a versatile space. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the back of the grandstand roof was utilised for Bungee jumping, adding a unique dimension to its offerings. Notably, after the inaugural rugby league test at the stadium in 1989, Australian captain Wally Lewis and teammate Peter Jackson both participated in this daring activity.
More recently, on September 22, 2019, Mount Smart Stadium made history by hosting the first standalone NRL Women’s Premiership match. The game featured the New Zealand Warriors against the St. George Illawarra Dragons, further adding to the diverse range of events held at this iconic venue.
Concerts and Performances
In recent concerts, the lineup has featured global icons including Adele, Queen and Adam Lambert, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Justin Bieber. Past performances have showcased legendary acts like Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, and U2, to name just a few.
In support of the aims of the Mt. Smart Stadium project, an album titled “The Mauri Hikitia” was released in 1981, featuring Maori artists. The album, including contributions from Rhonda, Ken Kincaid, Deane Waretini, and the Lightwood family, reached No. 4 on the New Zealand charts.
FAQs
What parking facilities are available at Mount Smart Stadium?
The stadium has multiple different parking facilities depending on the event: event, function attendee, athletic events, mobility parking, campervan/motorhome parking, and coach parking.
Are outside food and beverages allowed inside the stadium during events?
Feel free to bring in modest amounts of non-commercially prepared food, such as sandwiches, fruit, or baked goods. Additionally, you are allowed to bring a sealed plastic bottle of water (up to 1 litre). However, it’s important to be aware that, for most concerts, the bottle lid will be removed and discarded upon entry. These guidelines may vary from event to event based on security requirements, so please review the specific conditions outlined on the event page for the concert you plan to attend.
How can I inquire about hosting my event at Mount Smart Stadium?
For event bookings such as conventions, conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, or awards ceremonies at Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, please contact the Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events team. You can reach out to them by sending an email to [email protected].
