The former Western Springs Stadium has a new name, brand and redevelopment plan, with the historic Auckland venue set to be known as Western Springs Bowl from this year.
A four-month, $2.5 million transformation is underway, funded from venue owner-operator Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's existing capital budget at no additional cost to ratepayers.
The sporting configuration will be complete early next month, ahead of the venue's first event under its new name — an NPC Auckland Rugby fixture against Wellington on August 8.
A new stage and hospitality facilities will be completed in October in time for the summer concert season.
Western Springs Bowl will host concerts and festivals of 15,000 to 30,000 people over summer, before switching to a boutique sports stadium for crowds of up to 5000, including NPC rugby.
Ponsonby Rugby Club will continue to be based there under a new five-year lease, with community access retained year-round.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said the redevelopment would provide a "clear point of difference" within Auckland's stadiums.
"This venue will be part of keeping Auckland ‘always on’ by creating opportunities for more regular high-profile outdoor events, while ensuring Aucklanders can continue to enjoy this important regional asset."
The success of the stadium's summer concert series had shown the impact the venue could have on the city's economy, he added.
"Two concerts generated an estimated $10m in net regional benefit for the Auckland economy, so we are excited to be able to cater for even more events moving forward."
American rock band Foo Fighters are already scheduled to perform at the venue in January 2027.
The concept was confirmed in March, after Auckland Council's Governing Body voted 15-6 in favour, following an expression of interest process that began in 2024.
It was put forward by veteran Auckland concert promoters Campbell Smith and Brent Eccles, working alongside Ponsonby Rugby Club.
Smith, who has facilitated concert content at Western Springs for years, said the venue would be one-of-a-kind in New Zealand.
"Western Springs Bowl fits perfectly in the industry as a ready-made outdoor venue in a green, city park environment, and the natural amphitheatre makes it the ideal music venue."
Eccles said the new infrastructure would cut costs for promoters.
"We can say — you bring the act and we've got a stage ready to go for you. It's a cost-effective but high-quality option," he said.
A new name and logo draw on the shape of the natural amphitheatre and the name Te Wai Ōrea — "the waters of the eel".
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