Sport
1News

Tough times ahead for Eden Park according to confidential report

January 9, 2019

The Auckland facility is set to lose nearly $80 million over the next 10 years.

A confidential report has revealed difficult times ahead for New Zealand's largest sports stadium.

Ernst and Young's forecasting Auckland's Eden Park will lose nearly $80 million over the next 10 years.

Hosting fewer big games isn't helping with only one All Blacks Test instead of two scheduled this year and two cricket internationals instead of four.

The news has prompted several business groups to call on the council to do more to help.

"I think Auckland Council needs to look at things differently, why isn't there a report looking at how we can upcycle, recycle and use the current facilities we already have," Claire Baxter-Cardy of the Kingsland Business Association told 1 NEWS.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, who controversially commissioned work last year on alternative stadium sites, isn't rushing to Eden Park's aid.

"The stadium's financial position is serious, it cannot pay back debt to council nor the $40 million bank loan council has guaranteed," the Mayor said in a statement.

Auckland's Chamber of Commerce says the council's operating rules are constraining Eden Park's ability to make money.

It's calling for compromise and a clearer picture of residents who oppose and residents who support events like concerts being held there.

SHARE ME