Picture this Go Media Stadium Mount Smart bathed in the Auckland sun. Its history whispers from every concrete slab. This isn’t just a stadium. It’s a living testament to Auckland’s sporting spirit.
Go Media Stadium Mount Smart wasn’t always a sporting giant. It began life as a quarry. The Mount Smart volcanic cone was carved away leaving a vast hole. Then in 1943 the Mount Smart Domain Board had a vision. They planned to transform this former quarry into a public reserve. A sports stadium was part of that ambitious plan.
The stadium opened its doors in 1967. Soon after it hosted World Series Cricket matches. It even hosted track and field events. The highly successful Pan Am series made the stadium a popular spot during the early 1980s.
Remember the 1990 Commonwealth Games? Go Media Stadium Mount Smart was the main venue. The opening and closing ceremonies were held there. It also hosted the athletics events. Before this it was where the All Whites played their home qualifying games for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. This was a huge event for New Zealand football. It was the first time New Zealand qualified for a FIFA World Cup. The excitement was electric. The stadium was packed.
Go Media Stadium Mount Smart has seen many names. It was called Mt Smart Stadium. Later it became Ericsson Stadium. Then back to Mt Smart Stadium and finally to its current name. The stadium also held some unique events. Bungee jumping was popular for a while. Even Wally Lewis and Peter Jackson took the plunge.
Today Go Media Stadium Mount Smart is home to the New Zealand Warriors. It also hosts Auckland FC. It’s a multi-purpose stadium. It can host concerts. Adele holds the attendance record with 45000 fans at her 2017 concert.
Go Media Stadium Mount Smart continues to evolve. It is constantly being improved. It remains a symbol of Auckland’s sporting and entertainment culture. This stadium isn’t just about the games or concerts. It’s about community. It’s about shared experiences. It’s about the memories made within its walls. It’s a place where history continues to be written.