Eden Park breaks visitor records in 2023

Image: Eden Park, Jean-François Beauséjour, CC BY 2.0

Globally recognised as one of the world’s most iconic stadiums, 2023 was yet another record-breaking year for Eden Park, with over one million people visiting the venue.

The crowds flocked to international and domestic cricket, rugby and football games including a historic nine FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures, cultural festivals, concerts, community events, functions, and special occasions at New Zealand’s national stadium.

Eden Park is New Zealand’s national stadium, with a capacity of 50,000. Located in Central Auckland, New Zealand’s largest City, it is 3km Southwest of the central business district (CBD), on the boundary between the suburbs of Mount Eden and Kingsland. It opened in 1900. The South Stand was rebuilt for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner said, “2023 was our busiest and most successful year yet. We had an unprecedented number of spectators and visitors, setting new records for attendance across various sporting and entertainment events and underpinning Eden Park’s status as a leading destination for fans worldwide and a vital part of our national and local community.

“Welcoming over one million people through our doors is a milestone we are very proud to have achieved. It is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, community engagement, and sustainability and the delivery of this diverse range of world-class events showcased our team’s excellence in logistics and overall event management.

“From two sold-out Ed Sheeran concerts, the world-renowned Te Matatini festival, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup right through to G9 and free community events such as Wahs under the Stars and Paris at the Park, every event we hosted created a legacy – a memorable moment for those who attended and a positive impact on our wider community.”

Sautner said one of the true highlights of 2023 was hosting nine FIFA Women’s World Cup games, including the opening ceremony for the tournament.

He added, “Not only did we set multiple records for attendance at a men’s or women’s football game, Eden Park had a key role in boosting the New Zealand economy, where $1 invested equalled a $1.34 return for our country.

“We’re incredibly proud that Eden Park is a truly multi-purpose, hybrid venue—a community asset for Tamaki Makaurau, a strategic asset for Aotearoa New Zealand, and a leader in the world of entertainment and sports.

“2024 has already started out to be bigger and better with domestic and international cricket, All Blacks and Blues Rugby games and international concerts including P!NK and three sold-out Coldplay concerts. Plans are underway for innovative enhancements to Eden Park and continued community engagement.

“Eden Park is a valuable public good venue and as we’ve seen over 2023, the events we deliver contribute to the vibrancy of our city and country – they provide global connectivity and contribute economically and culturally to our community, positioning us on the world stage.”

Last year plans were proposed for an Eden Park 2.0 vision. A retractable roof, three new grandstands and a pedestrian promenade are all features of a multimillion-dollar proposal to upgrade Eden Park, unveiled by the stadium bosses.

The revamp is envisaged in four stages:

• New, bigger, West and East stands, with designs similar to the South Stand that was completed for the 2011 men’s Rugby World Cup;
• A completely new North Stand, designed in line with the South Stand and the two new East and West stands;
• A retractable roof, extending between the East and West stands, allowing all-weather events such as one-day and T20 cricket matches – and avoiding messy and wet concerts and other events; and
• A grand pedestrian promenade – like the one leading to the 34,500-capacity Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand – linking the Kingsland train station with a new entrance to the park. The promenade would be built over the busy Sandringham Road and give pedestrians unencumbered access.

 
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