Eden Park and Auckland celebrate FIFA Women’s World Cup Success

Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium and host to nine FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 games welcomes MBIE’s National Economic Impact Evaluation report that highlights half of the 740,000 tickets issued for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup were allocated to Eden Park, and the tournament injected $87m into the region’s GDP.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner said, “Major events and public good stadium infrastructure are the heartbeat of a vibrant city. They provide global connectivity and contribute economically and culturally to our community, positioning us on the world stage.

Mr Sautner emphasized the significance of the report which highlighted the New Zealand economy saw a $1.34 return on every dollar spent during the tournament. “This economic impact underscores the substantial contribution the FIFA Women’s World Cup has had, not just economically but socially as well. We are delighted to have played a pivotal role in delivering this extraordinary event in New Zealand,” he added.

“Investing in world-class events and state-of-the-art stadiums goes beyond entertainment; it’s a strategic move to position a city as a dynamic hub capable of attracting investment, fostering community pride and shaping a legacy for future generations.

“Eden Park delivered nine memorable events in just 27 days, attracting 350,000 patrons and creating countless memories. The legacy, both on and off the field will be enduring and will be remembered for years to come. I would like to thank our local community for embracing the tournament and supporting our resource consent application to ensure these benefits could be realised.

“A region’s vibrancy is reflected in its ability to host significant events, such as world cup tournaments, large-scale sporting events and internationally renowned concerts. As a venue, Eden Park is a multi-purpose stadium capable of hosting 50,000 people that is accessible from all four corners of our city. This infrastructure is critical to positioning the city as a thriving presence in the global landscape. ”

“Eden Park has always been, and will continue to be, a community asset for Tamaki Makaurau and a strategic asset for Aotearoa, New Zealand. We look forward to working with Auckland Council and Central Government to enable more world cups in future, and continue to make our mark on the world,” he said.