The country’s largest stadium is preparing to let the music play at the iconic venue following a compelling decision by Independent Commissioners to grant Eden Park the right to host concerts.

The window for appeal closed on Friday afternoon and with a number of artists and promoters waiting to announce shows, the stadium can now move to contract and proceed with announcements.

Eden Park continues to express gratitude to its community including neighbours, local businesses, sporting organisations, industry associations, schools, hotels and the wider entertainment industry for ensuring their voices were heard in the process.

“This is a celebration for all New Zealanders, a true triumph of unity in our neighbourhood to ensure our community asset is utilised to the best of its ability. We want to again extend our sincere thanks to all those that took the time to file a submission and attend the hearing.

“Our team has been inundated with messages of congratulations from neighbours and nearby businesses who are excited to welcome new business into the area, even more so following a challenging year. We’re pleased to also have ongoing support from our partners Auckland Rugby and Auckland Cricket. This is a historic moment for Eden Park and we look forward to continuing to serve our local and wider community,” says Eden Park Chief Executive Officer Nick Sautner.

Promoters confirmed at the hearing that Eden Park will deliver a superior event experience to music fans with its transport connectivity, proximity to the city and facilities that cater to all demographics and cultural communities of New Zealand.

“We are now working closely with local and international promoters to secure artists for Auckland immediately. There’s no doubt that music, and the arts, shape communities and provide extensive employment, social, cultural and tourism benefits. This significant milestone will allow Eden Park to meet its commitment of delivering inclusive and diverse events for the city, and country, through concerts,” says Sautner.

Throughout the process New Zealand’s highest selling live band SIX60 has been supportive in their praise for Eden Park, it’s suitability for concerts and their willingness to perform at the hallowed ground.

The decision to enable concerts will generate new revenue at the purpose-built stadium, whilst ensuring a variety of conditions are in place including traffic, sound, frequency and duration.

The stadium received widespread support for its application to host concerts when submissions were open to the public in March 2020. 94% of submissions to Auckland Council were in favour of the proposal and a subsequent hearing was held in November in front of three Independent Commissioners.