Auckland is to host a State of Origin game at Eden Park next season as New Zealand changed its planning rules to allow for a night game.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) made the announcement in Auckland with New Zealand government and city council officials.
And NZ officials expect to attract over 10,000 Australian visitors and make NZ$17.4 (A$14.8m) million out of the game after reportedly paying NZ$5m (A$4.2m) for the hosting rights.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys claims the historic clash at Eden Park, the citadel for the All Blacks and Auckland rugby union, will give New Zealand the chance to experience the game’s greatest rivalry.
“State of Origin … in 2027 will be showcased on one of the most famous sporting stages in the world.”
National Rugby League (NRL) CEO Andrew Abdo says that taking Origin to New Zealand is a win for fans in both countries.
“This is a great outcome for fans,” he says.
“In 2027, rugby league fans in New Zealand will experience one of the greatest rivalries…”
AUCKLAND BENEFITS
NZ’s Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the securing the game is a major win for fans, tourism and New Zealand sport.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the (NSW) Blues and (Qld) Maroons across the ditch for the very first time,” she says.
“This is a milestone moment for rugby league in New Zealand but it is so much more than a game.
“Hosting State of Origin is expected to attract over 10,000 of our Aussie neighbours, generate more than 50,000 international visitor nights, and inject an estimated $17.4m (A$14.8m) into the economy.”
She says hosting the event will showcase Auckland on an international stage and put her country on the map as a world-class destination for major events.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says it is “fantastic” that Origin is coming to his city.
“This city is the home of rugby league in New Zealand; thanks to the recent success of the Warriors, the sport here has never been bigger.
“From the outset, Auckland made it clear we wanted to bring State of Origin to our city, and we’ve worked hard to secure it.
“We know how to host major events, and we know the value they bring. This match will mean full hotels, busy restaurants and bars, and thousands of visitors experiencing everything our region has to offer.
“We want the planes full of Queenslanders and New South Welshmen heading across the Tasman.”
PLANNING CHANGES
The NZ Government had to change its planning rules to life a cap on night events and allow Eden Park to host live events like concerts and games later into the night.
The 50,000-seat stadium can now host up to 12 large (30,000+) and 20 medium (10,000–30,000) concerts annually without approval, hold concerts on Sundays and run concerts (until 11pm) and games (to 10.30pm) after night caps were lifted.
Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner says the changes reflect growing confidence in the stadium’s importance.
(There had been previous discussion about building a new stadium in Auckland; Eden Park is currently located in a residential suburb.)
“These are significant changes,” Sautner says.
“They bring our operating settings into line with comparable international venues and provide the flexibility required to compete for global content while … delivering economic and social benefits locally.”
Sautner says his venue “must be able to respond to demand” in supporting the changes.
“This is about certainty and flexibility, enabling greater utilisation over time, while ensuring events are planned and responsibly managed throughout the year.”
A University of Auckland analysis says Eden Park can earn more than NZ$37m (A$31.5m) annually for Auckland — which can jump to about NZ$107m (A$91m) a year if it is used more, the stadium says
Details, including the kick-off time (NZ is two hours ahead of Sydney and three hours ahead of Queensland), will be announced later.
OTHER STADIUM NEWS: Qld to lift stadium curfews amid chase for live events
