Environmental Sustainability 

We are proud to share that Go Media Stadium’s solar panel initiative has been named as a finalist for the 2026 Sport and Recreation - Environmental Sustainability Award. 

The nomination recognises the significant impact that the solar project had on Auckland FC’s 2025/2026 home season.  

Solar Powered Success 

13 Auckland FC home matches were played at Go Media Stadium from October 2025 to May 2026. With the majority of matches enjoying daytime kick-off times during the summer months, the longer days and sustained sunny spells meant that Auckland FC’s title-winning season was powered, in part, by renewable energy. 

The roof-mounted solar panels support broadcast, catering, lighting and other amenities during event day and throughout the week at the venue. 

Solar generation peaks aligned with match-day demand - meaning renewable energy directly powered live event delivery, not just operations. Additionally, the scale of the system meant that during daily operations, excess power could be exported to the grid. 

For Auckland FC, sustainability is now part of the event narrative. CEO Nick Becker noted: “Having the solar project fully operational ahead of our second season at Go Media Stadium was hugely important. Sustainability matters to our fans, and being able to play daytime fixtures powered in part by renewable energy is something we’re incredibly proud of.” 

The Impact 

1651 solar panels were installed across the East and West Stands as a part of a wider sustainability initiative which includes decarbonisation, solar, energy metering, water management, waste reduction and climate resilience. 

Annually, the solar project is expected to generate around 60% of Go Media Stadium’s energy needs, reducing energy emissions by 36 tonnes and saving $100,000 in energy costs. 

James Parkinson, Director Auckland Stadiums is ambitious about the venue’s future: “The success of this project is excellent but is just the start of what we have planned. We want to go further and continue to push what’s possible for sustainable event delivery in New Zealand. 

“This project set ambitious targets from the outset. What’s encouraging is that early performance shows we’re on track to meet - and likely exceed - those targets, both environmentally and financially.” 

Looking Forward 

The initiative sits within a wider decarbonisation programme aligned to Auckland Council’s goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, where other elements contribute to bolder targets. These include enabling sustainable travel options, replacing legacy boilers and waste reduction. 

While Yachting New Zealand was the eventual winner of the award, we are extremely proud to have been nominated.