Industry award recognises NZ’s top stadium for a second consecutive year
Go Media Stadium has been crowned New Zealand’s Large Venue of the Year at the 2025 EVANZ Awards, securing the title for the second consecutive year. The EVANZ (Events and Venues Association of New Zealand) Awards celebrate excellence across Aotearoa’s events and venues sector, recognising the organisations, teams and facilities that elevate live experiences for fans and communities.
Renowned nationwide for its unmatched atmosphere and ability to host world class sport and entertainment, Go Media Stadium continues to solidify its position as one of New Zealand’s most iconic and beloved venues. This back to back win reflects another outstanding year marked by record crowds, major event successes and continued investment into innovation and sustainability.
A Year of Momentum
The past 12 months have delivered another defining chapter in the stadium’s legacy. As home to the One New Zealand Warriors and Auckland FC, Go Media Stadium has further entrenched itself as Aotearoa’s most dynamic year round sporting and entertainment hub.
Over 260,000 rugby league fans poured through the gates across the Warriors’ home campaign, as the club charged toward a second home NRL Finals appearance in three years. The surge in attendance reinforced the stadium’s reputation as one of the most electrifying home environments in the league.
Auckland FC’s debut A League season produced another remarkable milestone. Across 13 home games, the club attracted 235,316 fans, delivering an average attendance of 18,101, the highest in the entire A League. These figures capped off an inaugural season that firmly embedded Auckland’s newest professional football team into the city’s sporting fabric.
Beyond sport, Go Media Stadium once again showcased its versatility and responsiveness. A standout moment included hosting Burna Boy’s first ever New Zealand performance at the inaugural Afrosoul Festival, delivered at just one week’s notice, attracting thousands and reinforcing the venue’s ability to deliver extraordinary events at pace.
Always On
Go Media Stadium continues to operate one of New Zealand’s most active and diverse event calendars. Built on the foundations of elite club level competition, the venue also plays host to major concerts, festivals, community sport and international fixtures, offering year round entertainment for audiences across Auckland and beyond.
This blend of premium sporting content, large scale concerts and cultural events ensures the stadium remains a key pillar in Auckland’s live entertainment landscape.
Leading Through Innovation
The stadium has made major strides in sustainability and innovation over the past year, completing a landmark solar installation across the East and West stands. Featuring 1,651 solar panels, the project generates around 800 MWh of renewable energy annually, supplying approximately 60 percent of the venue’s total electricity use. This initiative marks the first installation of its kind at a New Zealand stadium.
The solar project forms part of a broader decarbonisation programme that includes new electric heat pumps, LED lighting upgrades and enhanced bike parking, helping reduce emissions and future proof the venue’s operations.
These enhancements not only strengthen environmental performance but also elevate the overall experience for patrons, artists and athletes.
Customer First, Always
Go Media Stadium continues to focus on delivering exceptional customer experience across every event. Recent infrastructure improvements including upgraded lighting, enhanced technology, beautification projects and modernised amenities have contributed to strong customer satisfaction and improved accessibility throughout the venue.
Continued investment in visitor experience plays a crucial role in ensuring the stadium remains a top choice for promoters, teams and fans nationwide.
Celebrating Excellence
Winning Large Venue of the Year for the second consecutive year is a significant achievement for Go Media Stadium, its partners and the broader events ecosystem that brings the venue to life. It is recognition of the collective effort, expertise and dedication that underpin every event, from local sport to international concerts.
As one of the country’s busiest and most loved venues, Go Media Stadium continues to set the standard for excellence in New Zealand’s live entertainment sector.
This back to back honour highlights another remarkable year and an exciting future ahead for the peoples’ venue.