Future of Warriors’ spiritual home in jeopardy: Council to make decision on new Auckland stadium by end of the year

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The future of the New Zealand Warriors’ spiritual home, Mount Smart Stadium, is in jeopardy with two separate stadium bids the frontrunners to become a multi-purpose “Auckland Main Stadium” which would home the Warriors, Auckland Blues, concerts and the new A-League franchise.

Auckland Council yesterday voted for two of four bids with an upgraded Eden Park or a brand-new venue at Quay Park now left with the bid teams given six months to put forward further final proposals.

According to a story from NZ Herald’s Ben Leahy, an upgraded Eden Park would include, “increasing the stadium’s capacity to 60,000, making plans for a retractable roof, a new north stand, upgrades to two other grandstands and a pedestrian access way crossing Sandringham Rd.”

A second bid is backed by NZ Rugby Union and would reportedly include an All Blacks-themed hotel nearby.

The news comes as the Warriors eye an incredible, history-making 14-straight sold-out home matches.

“It’s absolutely brilliant seeing the way members and fans have got behind their club,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.

“They were phenomenal with their support last season but they’ve taken it to another level this year.

“We now have tickets available for just our last three home games of the regular season so we’d certainly encourage supporters to secure their seats in plenty of time.

“If we can sell out those games as well it will be an amazing achievement and another statement about what the club and rugby league mean to New Zealanders. Let’s get it done.”

The Warriors are currently averaging 23,658 at home games at Mount Stadium Stadium.

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