A new video of the Western Springs Stadium proposal backed by A-League Men club Auckland FC and their billionaire owners features footage in a campaign to “generate public support for the stadium,” which has been called Auckland Arena, according to Bonnie Jansen of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. The proposal’s dedicated website “features a 15,000-seat rectangular stadium design.” A prominent outer bowl “would accommodate additional spectators of 25,000″ for live concert events. Auckland FC co-owners Anna Mowbray and her husband Ali Williams, along with Bill Foley, also owner of the Golden Knights, are listed on the website as “Auckland Arena’s founders,” while the club itself is listed “as an official supporter of the arena.” Williams said that the facility “can be built at zero cost to the ratepayer” with $178.1M (all figures U.S.) in private funding “secured already.” The website estimates the facility “would generate” $59.4M-plus annually for the Auckland community. Jansen noted Auckland Council is “considering two rival bids” to develop stadium facilities at Western Springs, with the Auckland FC billionaires “up against a joint proposal” from Auckland Premier club Ponsonby Rugby Club and music promoter CRS Records. The Ponsonby RFC “wants to extend its current occupancy” and “expand operations to other sports,” while enabling the venue to “host 50,000-capacity concerts through redevelopment of the site with a proposal to the council for further funding.” Williams said that they are “awaiting a decision” from the council, which he “expects will be revealed in a couple of months” (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 4/16).
Auckland FC backs video campaign for public support of Western Springs stadium proposal
