The owners of Auckland FC, a new A-League team based in the New Zealand city, are reportedly planning on transforming Western Springs Stadium into a dedicated football venue.
According to New Zealand-based news outlet Stuff, plans have been drawn up for a new 8,000-capacity facility to replace Western Springs Stadium, which is currently used for rugby union matches and speedway racing, as well as music concerts.
The report states that a proposal has been outlined by Auckland FC owners Bill Foley, Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams.
Auckland FC is set to join the men’s A-League for the upcoming 2024-25 season, with its women’s team to launch the following year. In July, Auckland FC agreed a deal for Go Media Stadium to become its home ground.
Auckland FC’s deal with Auckland Stadiums, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, will see the team commit to play home games at Go Media Stadium for at least the first five years of competition. Its training and administrative headquarters will be based at North Harbour Stadium.
US businessman Foley, who also owns Premier League team AFC Bournemouth and founded the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, was awarded an A-Leagues licence in November 2023. Foley has previously expressed an interest in being part of discussions for a potential new stadium in Auckland.
Stuff has now reported that Williams, who played rugby union for the New Zealand national team, is driving plans for a new football stadium at Western Springs. As well as transforming the stadium into a football-first facility, the plans would include futsal and indoor basketball courts.
Western Springs Stadium, which is owned by Auckland Council, is currently used by rugby union outfit Ponsonby, Williams’ former team. The team’s lease is due to expire at the end of 2025. Williams’ plans are set to be formally announced once they have been presented to Auckland Council.
Auckland FC will play its first home match at Go Media Stadium against Brisbane Roar on October 19.
Auckland Council is also in the midst of a process to deliver a new state-of-the-art stadium for the city. In May, the council selected the Eden Park 2.1 and Te Tōangaroa/Quay Park proposals to move forward in the process.
Both bidders were invited to complete feasibility studies within a six-month timeframe, at their own expense. Eden Park Trust’s proposal has been considered the favourite during a process that had originally seen eight applications, before this was reduced to four.
