TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2024 recognises leadership, innovation and achievement across global stadia, and the recent awards ceremony was held in Manchester, UK.
Eden Park jointly received the Event of the Year award for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, alongside Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
The New Zealand stadium also claimed the Venue of the Year title, triumphing over major international stadiums such as Wembley Stadium (London), Croke Park (Dublin), Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane), AO Arena (Manchester), CPKC Stadium (Kansas City) and Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia).
“These awards are testament to the collective efforts and commitment of our team who go above and beyond to support the delivery of a diverse range of events and functions at our national stadium,” says Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner.
“I would like to acknowledge our chairman, Alan Gourdie, trustees, staff, volunteers, partners and contractors who can all take immense pride that Eden Park has received international recognition for the work we do.
“Also, thank you to our hirers and promoters for collaborating with us to deliver exceptional events for the people of Auckland and New Zealand.
“Finally, thank you to our families and whānau who enable us to do what we love. I know this industry demands long days and late nights, which requires sacrifice from families.
“We’re incredibly grateful for your love and support.”
During his acceptance speech for Venue of the Year, Sautner reflected on Eden Park’s journey, referring to its transformational change to become a hybrid multi-purpose stadium delivering a range of sporting, entertainment, cultural and community events.
“Eden Park has always been, and will continue to be, a community asset for Tamaki Makaurau and a strategic asset for Aotearoa, New Zealand,” he says.
“Seventy per cent of attendance in 2023 came from events, which weren’t part of our business model five years ago.
“This reflects our strategic commitment to innovation and constantly adapting our offering to meet the changing needs and interests of our community.
“We can all take immense pride in these awards. For Eden Park to be announced as the recipient of both Event of the Year and Venue of the Year reinforces our globally iconic status as New Zealand’s national stadium.”
