PHOTO: Entrepreneur Anna Mowbray. SUPPLIED
📍 Auckland’s iconic Western Springs Stadium is about to get a game-changing makeover! Three high-profile groups have submitted their bids to transform the venue, and the decision could reshape the city’s sports and entertainment scene for decades.
The battle for Western Springs pits A-League club Auckland FC, a music industry powerhouse, and Ponsonby Rugby Club against each other – all with competing visions for the highly sought-after site.
🏆 The Three Contenders for Western Springs’ Future
Auckland Council, which owns the stadium, has confirmed three official bids to redevelop the massive inner-city venue:
⚽ 1. Auckland FC’s Multi-Sport & Entertainment Complex
💰 Backed by sports and business heavyweights – including All Blacks legend Ali Williams, NBA superstar Steven Adams, billionaire Bill Foley, and entrepreneur Anna Mowbray.
🏟️ A brand-new 12,500-seat stadium focused on football, basketball, and padel – three of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
🍽️ A modern hospitality hub, outdoor and covered courts, and world-class facilities.
💵 Privately funded at “zero cost to ratepayers.”
Anna Mowbray has invested in Auckland FC and is part of the bid to build a multi-sport complex at Western Springs.Supplied
🎤 2. CRS Records’ Mega Concert & Festival Venue
🎶 A major entertainment hub designed to host the biggest music acts, cultural events, and festivals.
🏟️ Revamped stadium space with a focus on premium live experiences.
💵 Privately funded by New Zealand music mogul Campbell Smith.
🏉 3. Ponsonby Rugby Club’s Expansion Plan
🏉 Extended occupancy for Ponsonby Rugby, with a vision to add other sports to the venue.
🎤 A redeveloped stadium with a 50,000-person concert capacity.
💰 Requires council funding to proceed.
🔥 What’s at Stake?
🏆 Western Springs has hosted legendary concerts and events, from The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Elton John to New Zealand’s own Six60.
🏟️ The future of Auckland sports hangs in the balance – could football finally get a world-class stadium in the city?
💰 With the stadium’s speedway lease expiring this month and Ponsonby Rugby’s lease up in 2027, the council’s decision will shape Auckland’s entertainment and sporting future.
Steven Adams and Ali Williams are fronting the bid for the development with a centrepiece 12,500 capacity stadium.
📢 What Happens Next?
🔹 The Auckland Council has reviewed the three proposals and will decide its preferred option in May before seeking public feedback.
🔹 The battle is heating up, with Ponsonby Rugby potentially having to move if Auckland FC’s bid wins.
🔹 Which vision will Aucklanders support? A football-first stadium, a music mecca, or an expanded rugby hub?
High-profile concerts, football and Ponsonby Rugby are among the uses pitched for a revamped Western Springs Stadium site.
🚀 Auckland’s Stadium Shake-Up – What’s Your Pick?
📣 Should Western Springs become a football and multi-sport hub?
🎶 Or should it focus on bringing world-class concerts to Auckland?
🏉 Should Ponsonby Rugby get to stay and expand the venue?
Comment below and have your say! ⬇️
SOURCE: STUFF