1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,547 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:12,547 Speaker 1: from newstalksb. 3 00:00:13,227 --> 00:00:19,227 Speaker 2: Bum Storming, brilliant, gave a football six on the bounce. 4 00:00:20,067 --> 00:00:25,667 Speaker 2: The AUCKLANDFC Alex Paulson's goal finally breached, but it wasn't 5 00:00:25,787 --> 00:00:29,267 Speaker 2: enough to silence the port and it was not enough 6 00:00:29,307 --> 00:00:35,307 Speaker 2: to lower the blue and black colors of the Alex 7 00:00:35,387 --> 00:00:38,067 Speaker 2: New Boys says. While Auckland f C have been making 8 00:00:38,187 --> 00:00:41,267 Speaker 2: history on the pitch in their debut A League men's season, 9 00:00:41,507 --> 00:00:45,187 Speaker 2: nearly quarter of a million fans have flooded the stands 10 00:00:45,187 --> 00:00:47,667 Speaker 2: at Go Media Stadium to watch on The Black Knights 11 00:00:47,667 --> 00:00:52,027 Speaker 2: have attracted the highest average home attendance across the entire 12 00:00:52,147 --> 00:00:56,067 Speaker 2: A League, with over eighteen thousand fans per home match 13 00:00:56,187 --> 00:01:01,427 Speaker 2: coming through the turnstiles Tartucky Auckland Unlimited Unlimited Director of 14 00:01:01,867 --> 00:01:06,027 Speaker 2: Auckland Stadiums is James Parkinson, who joins US now. James 15 00:01:06,027 --> 00:01:09,467 Speaker 2: and new tenants at Go Media have made quite the splash. 16 00:01:09,467 --> 00:01:12,547 Speaker 2: How much have you enjoyed partnering with Auckland f C 17 00:01:12,707 --> 00:01:13,707 Speaker 2: in their debut season. 18 00:01:14,907 --> 00:01:18,427 Speaker 3: Yeah, thanks, Jason, No, it's been been a real blast 19 00:01:18,787 --> 00:01:22,907 Speaker 3: for our team. I mean, our whole whole focus in 20 00:01:23,147 --> 00:01:27,187 Speaker 3: operating go Media Stadium is to partner with our tenants, 21 00:01:27,227 --> 00:01:31,667 Speaker 3: whether that's the Warriors or now Auckland f C. And 22 00:01:32,067 --> 00:01:35,747 Speaker 3: we're really there to provide the platform for our tenants 23 00:01:35,787 --> 00:01:38,707 Speaker 3: to succeed and it's been great to see Auckland FC 24 00:01:38,947 --> 00:01:40,547 Speaker 3: do exactly that in their first year. 25 00:01:41,227 --> 00:01:43,867 Speaker 2: Did you expect attendances this big. 26 00:01:45,547 --> 00:01:51,067 Speaker 3: Is a real tough question. We're working with Mick Becker 27 00:01:51,107 --> 00:01:53,227 Speaker 3: and his team and we're both asking each other what 28 00:01:53,307 --> 00:01:56,187 Speaker 3: we thought the crowds might be first year. I think 29 00:01:56,227 --> 00:01:59,947 Speaker 3: it's fair to say that we've both been flying away 30 00:01:59,987 --> 00:02:03,587 Speaker 3: with exactly where that attendance has landed. I mean, with 31 00:02:03,667 --> 00:02:07,827 Speaker 3: an average crowd over eighteen thousands, more than double the 32 00:02:08,187 --> 00:02:12,067 Speaker 3: A League average, So you're very very happy with where 33 00:02:12,067 --> 00:02:12,947 Speaker 3: that's turned out. 34 00:02:13,547 --> 00:02:17,147 Speaker 2: How different has it been accommodating an active supporters group 35 00:02:17,227 --> 00:02:20,427 Speaker 2: the port of course who stand during matches, they bring 36 00:02:20,467 --> 00:02:23,987 Speaker 2: their own unique style of football support. How different has 37 00:02:24,027 --> 00:02:25,827 Speaker 2: that been to manage? 38 00:02:26,427 --> 00:02:30,667 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's definitely different, but it's a real feature of 39 00:02:30,907 --> 00:02:34,907 Speaker 3: football and a feature of successful football teams, so it's 40 00:02:34,907 --> 00:02:37,987 Speaker 3: something that we've been keen to embrace. We've certainly worked 41 00:02:38,107 --> 00:02:42,227 Speaker 3: very closely with both Augland FC and the apl themselves, 42 00:02:43,027 --> 00:02:47,187 Speaker 3: and I think the trick there is we want everyone 43 00:02:47,227 --> 00:02:49,627 Speaker 3: to have fun. We want the active fans to have fun, 44 00:02:49,707 --> 00:02:52,627 Speaker 3: we want the families that turn up to have fun. 45 00:02:52,827 --> 00:02:56,067 Speaker 3: So it's just ensuring that all of that can happen 46 00:02:56,187 --> 00:02:59,467 Speaker 3: without things getting out of hand, and I think by 47 00:02:59,507 --> 00:03:01,627 Speaker 3: and large we've all managed that very well. 48 00:03:01,627 --> 00:03:05,107 Speaker 2: Is here Hawkin FC have also been very innovative in 49 00:03:05,187 --> 00:03:09,027 Speaker 2: creating their Matchdake experience as a giant slide a fairest well. 50 00:03:09,147 --> 00:03:12,387 Speaker 2: They shipped in over one hundred tons of sand to 51 00:03:12,427 --> 00:03:15,507 Speaker 2: make a temporary beach over the holiday period. When Nick 52 00:03:15,547 --> 00:03:17,627 Speaker 2: Becker's name came up on your phone, did you just 53 00:03:17,627 --> 00:03:19,507 Speaker 2: start thinking to yourself, what's you come up with now? 54 00:03:20,627 --> 00:03:23,907 Speaker 3: Yeah? But it's the great thing with Auckland f C. 55 00:03:24,267 --> 00:03:27,427 Speaker 3: And it's a great thing about go Media Stadium. It 56 00:03:27,547 --> 00:03:32,587 Speaker 3: provides a platform where that kind of creativity can happen. 57 00:03:32,827 --> 00:03:38,587 Speaker 3: So it's been a joy to see it. In fact, 58 00:03:38,627 --> 00:03:41,867 Speaker 3: the giant slide has been something we've been keen to 59 00:03:42,227 --> 00:03:44,507 Speaker 3: see there for some times. It was great to see 60 00:03:44,507 --> 00:03:46,707 Speaker 3: Auckland f C embrace it and it's become a real 61 00:03:46,747 --> 00:03:47,987 Speaker 3: feature of their game day. 62 00:03:48,867 --> 00:03:52,027 Speaker 2: So the seasons are overlapping now because the NRL season's underway, 63 00:03:52,107 --> 00:03:55,147 Speaker 2: well underway, actually Auckland f C Is still going. How 64 00:03:55,187 --> 00:03:57,267 Speaker 2: much of a logistical challenge does that present to you 65 00:03:57,307 --> 00:04:00,587 Speaker 2: and your team, James having matches at go Media for 66 00:04:00,667 --> 00:04:02,467 Speaker 2: two sides, sometimes on the same weekend. 67 00:04:03,307 --> 00:04:07,147 Speaker 3: Yeah, yeah, there is a challenge amongst all of that, 68 00:04:07,227 --> 00:04:12,427 Speaker 3: but it is really inherent in running a successful stadium 69 00:04:12,467 --> 00:04:14,387 Speaker 3: that you need to be able to do that. And 70 00:04:15,387 --> 00:04:19,107 Speaker 3: our team has become very experienced over the years of 71 00:04:19,627 --> 00:04:24,107 Speaker 3: turning the venue around, and I think we're certainly very 72 00:04:24,147 --> 00:04:27,187 Speaker 3: proud of the way that from our turf team and 73 00:04:27,227 --> 00:04:31,667 Speaker 3: the way that that pitch is presented each weekend through 74 00:04:31,747 --> 00:04:36,187 Speaker 3: to all members of our operational team, marketing team commercial, 75 00:04:37,027 --> 00:04:40,267 Speaker 3: they all play a vital part and turning it around 76 00:04:40,347 --> 00:04:44,307 Speaker 3: and providing that the opportunity for the fans to come 77 00:04:44,307 --> 00:04:45,907 Speaker 3: along and enjoy themselves. 78 00:04:46,347 --> 00:04:49,227 Speaker 2: The A League season starts in October and runs through 79 00:04:49,227 --> 00:04:51,627 Speaker 2: to the end of May, and the NRL season goes 80 00:04:51,627 --> 00:04:54,147 Speaker 2: from March to September, which means basically, now you have 81 00:04:54,227 --> 00:04:57,587 Speaker 2: an anchor tenant at go Media Stadium for the entire 82 00:04:57,987 --> 00:05:01,147 Speaker 2: calendar year. How significant is that for you? 83 00:05:02,707 --> 00:05:06,227 Speaker 3: It's hugely significant. I mean, Go Media Stadium is now 84 00:05:06,747 --> 00:05:11,147 Speaker 3: the busiest sports stadium in terms of attendees to sports events, 85 00:05:11,147 --> 00:05:15,147 Speaker 3: and that very much is down to having sports content 86 00:05:15,267 --> 00:05:19,387 Speaker 3: throughout the year. It's obviously based on having two very 87 00:05:19,387 --> 00:05:26,627 Speaker 3: successful tenants and both the Warriors and Auckland FC, and 88 00:05:25,867 --> 00:05:30,467 Speaker 3: that really is a reflection that we've got a stadium 89 00:05:30,507 --> 00:05:33,627 Speaker 3: there with a capacity at twenty five thousand that works 90 00:05:33,667 --> 00:05:38,027 Speaker 3: really well for the vast majority of sport content in 91 00:05:38,067 --> 00:05:41,347 Speaker 3: the city. You heard Nick Bettor talk yesterday about the 92 00:05:41,347 --> 00:05:46,827 Speaker 3: fact that every seats has a great view and there's 93 00:05:46,947 --> 00:05:50,907 Speaker 3: just the flexibility around the activation, so people come along 94 00:05:50,987 --> 00:05:52,387 Speaker 3: knowing they're going to have a great time. 95 00:05:52,907 --> 00:05:54,987 Speaker 2: How much do you think as well, James, the fact 96 00:05:55,027 --> 00:05:57,227 Speaker 2: that the shape of the playing service at go Media 97 00:05:57,827 --> 00:06:01,947 Speaker 2: is rectangular improves the atmosphere, with the crowd basically right 98 00:06:01,987 --> 00:06:04,707 Speaker 2: on top of the players regardless of where they are. 99 00:06:04,747 --> 00:06:12,387 Speaker 3: Really it's key the combination of the capacity so the 100 00:06:12,387 --> 00:06:16,347 Speaker 3: Warriors and Auckland f C can go out there confident 101 00:06:16,427 --> 00:06:19,027 Speaker 3: that they've got the ability to sell the place out. 102 00:06:19,107 --> 00:06:21,027 Speaker 3: The fans know they need to get them early and 103 00:06:21,067 --> 00:06:24,027 Speaker 3: buy their tickets to ensure they're there, and then the 104 00:06:24,067 --> 00:06:26,867 Speaker 3: fans themselves become a big part of the experience with 105 00:06:26,987 --> 00:06:31,507 Speaker 3: the atmosphere that they create, so it shifts the dynamic. 106 00:06:31,547 --> 00:06:33,907 Speaker 3: People no longer want to just be at home watching 107 00:06:33,947 --> 00:06:35,507 Speaker 3: their game, They actually want to be there and be 108 00:06:35,547 --> 00:06:37,027 Speaker 3: part of it absolutely. 109 00:06:37,107 --> 00:06:39,947 Speaker 2: Now, of course, there was a school of thought that APL, 110 00:06:39,987 --> 00:06:42,667 Speaker 2: who run the a League, might take the Grand Final 111 00:06:42,707 --> 00:06:45,627 Speaker 2: if Auckland FC were to make it to Eden Park, 112 00:06:45,667 --> 00:06:47,747 Speaker 2: which of course has a bigger capacity, in order to 113 00:06:48,747 --> 00:06:52,427 Speaker 2: get more ticket revenue. Now, thankfully sanity has prevailed and 114 00:06:52,467 --> 00:06:54,427 Speaker 2: the Grand Final of Auckland FC make it will be 115 00:06:54,467 --> 00:06:57,427 Speaker 2: at go Media. What was your part in those discussions. 116 00:06:58,987 --> 00:07:02,107 Speaker 3: I think it comes back yet again. Our whole philosophy 117 00:07:02,187 --> 00:07:05,867 Speaker 3: is around partnering. We knew how important having that home 118 00:07:05,907 --> 00:07:11,067 Speaker 3: game waned to Auckland FC. We took the time and 119 00:07:11,187 --> 00:07:14,467 Speaker 3: our discussions with the APL to understand what was important 120 00:07:14,467 --> 00:07:16,747 Speaker 3: to them, and the routy is it's more than just 121 00:07:17,067 --> 00:07:20,067 Speaker 3: the ticket revenue. There are other ways for them to 122 00:07:20,187 --> 00:07:23,827 Speaker 3: get commercial returns out of their events, and so we 123 00:07:23,947 --> 00:07:27,187 Speaker 3: found ways to deliver that for them and I think 124 00:07:27,227 --> 00:07:32,907 Speaker 3: it's a great, great outcome for the APL, for Auckland FC, 125 00:07:33,067 --> 00:07:34,467 Speaker 3: and certainly for their fans. 126 00:07:34,747 --> 00:07:36,707 Speaker 2: So you're putting in twenty seven hundred Exra seats for 127 00:07:36,747 --> 00:07:39,547 Speaker 2: the semi then eight hundred more off Auckland FC make 128 00:07:39,547 --> 00:07:41,827 Speaker 2: it through to the Grand Final. How about a logistical 129 00:07:41,867 --> 00:07:43,147 Speaker 2: exercises that for your team? 130 00:07:44,067 --> 00:07:47,907 Speaker 3: Well, yeah, we've been fortunate, We've had plenty of opportunities 131 00:07:47,947 --> 00:07:53,147 Speaker 3: to get temporary seats and over the years. The last 132 00:07:53,187 --> 00:07:56,787 Speaker 3: time was for the or Block South Africa game at 133 00:07:57,547 --> 00:08:01,827 Speaker 3: Media Stadium, so again it's something we're used to. This 134 00:08:01,947 --> 00:08:04,667 Speaker 3: time it's a little bit different doing is than two tranches, 135 00:08:06,427 --> 00:08:10,467 Speaker 3: but yeah, every confidence that that will go very smoothly. 136 00:08:11,147 --> 00:08:13,747 Speaker 2: And that weekend of the semi final. I know you 137 00:08:13,747 --> 00:08:16,707 Speaker 2: know this because it's a new calendar, but just to clarify, 138 00:08:16,707 --> 00:08:19,027 Speaker 2: of course there's the semi final of the A League 139 00:08:19,067 --> 00:08:21,547 Speaker 2: on the Saturday and then Lease or actually in fact 140 00:08:21,587 --> 00:08:25,587 Speaker 2: almost exactly twenty four hours later, the Warriors host Canberra. 141 00:08:25,667 --> 00:08:27,987 Speaker 2: So will you leave those twenty seven hundred extraceipts there 142 00:08:28,027 --> 00:08:29,067 Speaker 2: for sale for the Warriors? 143 00:08:30,187 --> 00:08:34,827 Speaker 3: Well, certainly the seats will be there. Ultimately, that decision 144 00:08:35,147 --> 00:08:37,827 Speaker 3: around how they used is up to the Warriors and 145 00:08:38,147 --> 00:08:41,747 Speaker 3: obsidly leave that to them to make any announcements around that, 146 00:08:42,267 --> 00:08:47,027 Speaker 3: but it is no question it's a big weekend. In 147 00:08:47,027 --> 00:08:50,187 Speaker 3: addition to those two games at go Media, our team 148 00:08:50,227 --> 00:08:52,787 Speaker 3: have also got the Black Fans game up at North 149 00:08:52,827 --> 00:08:56,027 Speaker 3: Harbor on the Saturday as well, So big weekend to 150 00:08:56,067 --> 00:08:57,307 Speaker 3: sport and. 151 00:08:57,307 --> 00:09:00,587 Speaker 2: Aw absolutely, and of course you've welcomed to Moana Pacifica 152 00:09:00,667 --> 00:09:02,747 Speaker 2: to Albany on a full time basis the Super Rugby 153 00:09:02,787 --> 00:09:04,507 Speaker 2: season as well. How's that relationship going. 154 00:09:05,267 --> 00:09:10,067 Speaker 3: Yeah, no, we've enjoyed the relationship with MYNA. It's one 155 00:09:10,107 --> 00:09:14,347 Speaker 3: that formed before they played the first game on the 156 00:09:14,427 --> 00:09:19,187 Speaker 3: field and it's been great to see how that presence 157 00:09:19,267 --> 00:09:22,387 Speaker 3: up at North Harbor has already worked for them, having 158 00:09:22,427 --> 00:09:25,667 Speaker 3: both their training base and game venue up there, and 159 00:09:26,107 --> 00:09:28,867 Speaker 3: the fans seem to have really taken to it. I 160 00:09:28,907 --> 00:09:33,587 Speaker 3: think the game against the Blues next weekend will be 161 00:09:33,627 --> 00:09:35,467 Speaker 3: a magical experience up there. 162 00:09:36,187 --> 00:09:38,107 Speaker 2: And of course two hundred and thirty five thousand plus 163 00:09:38,187 --> 00:09:40,827 Speaker 2: fans need to be fed and watered, so your team 164 00:09:40,827 --> 00:09:43,667 Speaker 2: has sent me some stats here. Two hundred and fifteen 165 00:09:43,747 --> 00:09:47,267 Speaker 2: thousand beverages served across the A leg season, one hundred 166 00:09:47,267 --> 00:09:50,667 Speaker 2: and ten thousand portions of hot food. That doesn't include 167 00:09:50,987 --> 00:09:52,787 Speaker 2: the corporate spaces, and we know what they're like with 168 00:09:52,827 --> 00:09:55,947 Speaker 2: food and drink. Your cater is a working over time too, 169 00:09:55,947 --> 00:09:57,747 Speaker 2: by the sounds of it, James. 170 00:09:58,107 --> 00:10:02,747 Speaker 3: Yes, and we've enjoyed We've got a new catering partner 171 00:10:02,787 --> 00:10:07,547 Speaker 3: on board ovation. We only recent le into New Zealand 172 00:10:08,267 --> 00:10:11,507 Speaker 3: and so it's been great to welcome them and them 173 00:10:11,507 --> 00:10:15,867 Speaker 3: in with the stadium going so well, well, I think 174 00:10:15,907 --> 00:10:18,187 Speaker 3: we've we've done a great job with our food and 175 00:10:18,187 --> 00:10:22,227 Speaker 3: beverage this year, but it's certainly an area that we 176 00:10:22,787 --> 00:10:25,267 Speaker 3: can see plenty of opportunity to improve as well, and 177 00:10:25,307 --> 00:10:28,427 Speaker 3: that's what we'll be looking forward to doing for our 178 00:10:28,467 --> 00:10:30,387 Speaker 3: fans over the coming months. 179 00:10:30,707 --> 00:10:32,307 Speaker 2: How do you spend next days? You know, you don't 180 00:10:32,347 --> 00:10:33,907 Speaker 2: get out in the active support. I'm not going to 181 00:10:33,947 --> 00:10:36,107 Speaker 2: see you jumping up and down in the port come 182 00:10:36,147 --> 00:10:38,107 Speaker 2: SEEMI Final day, James. 183 00:10:39,067 --> 00:10:43,147 Speaker 3: Probably probably not in among support, but I'll certainly certainly 184 00:10:43,187 --> 00:10:47,907 Speaker 3: be there. And yeah, I mean it's it is a 185 00:10:47,947 --> 00:10:52,867 Speaker 3: great experience man. Now, our team in terms of venue operators, 186 00:10:52,907 --> 00:10:57,067 Speaker 3: we get our satisfaction out of delivering these events and 187 00:10:57,307 --> 00:11:01,467 Speaker 3: just seeing the people have a great time, and we've 188 00:11:01,467 --> 00:11:03,627 Speaker 3: been seeing that in abundance throughout the season. 189 00:11:04,147 --> 00:11:07,067 Speaker 2: Yeah. Well, I've had the very fortunate honor of being 190 00:11:07,067 --> 00:11:09,787 Speaker 2: there for every single Auckland FC home game, and I 191 00:11:09,827 --> 00:11:11,587 Speaker 2: hadn't had the chance really to spend much time at 192 00:11:11,627 --> 00:11:14,307 Speaker 2: go Media Stadium in the past, James, But I can 193 00:11:14,347 --> 00:11:16,267 Speaker 2: only congratulate you and your team on the match to 194 00:11:16,387 --> 00:11:19,387 Speaker 2: experience that you allow to happen there. Clearly it's taken 195 00:11:19,427 --> 00:11:22,827 Speaker 2: some flexibility on your part as well. So look, I 196 00:11:22,867 --> 00:11:25,027 Speaker 2: hope we get another couple of really big nights there 197 00:11:25,147 --> 00:11:27,347 Speaker 2: at go Media and of course the Warriors as well 198 00:11:27,827 --> 00:11:31,147 Speaker 2: on towards there are very successful NRL season so far too. 199 00:11:31,147 --> 00:11:33,467 Speaker 2: Thanks for joining us this afternoon, James has been great 200 00:11:33,547 --> 00:11:34,027 Speaker 2: chatting to you. 201 00:11:34,587 --> 00:11:36,627 Speaker 3: Yep, thank you, Jason, much appreciated. 202 00:11:37,027 --> 00:11:40,667 Speaker 2: All the best, mate, James Parkinson, Director of Auckland Stadiums 203 00:11:40,667 --> 00:11:44,067 Speaker 2: overseeing go Media also North Harbor Stadium and Western Springs 204 00:11:44,067 --> 00:11:47,227 Speaker 2: as well. You know, it's just been look at. Anyone 205 00:11:47,227 --> 00:11:50,227 Speaker 2: who's been to an Auckland FC home game will tell 206 00:11:50,267 --> 00:11:55,307 Speaker 2: you nothing compares in terms of the experience. You can't 207 00:11:55,347 --> 00:11:57,427 Speaker 2: just sit on the couch and watch the game. You'll 208 00:11:57,427 --> 00:12:01,227 Speaker 2: miss out. You'll miss out. What about that weekend twenty 209 00:12:01,267 --> 00:12:04,507 Speaker 2: four to twenty five May twenty fourth, the May the 210 00:12:04,587 --> 00:12:08,227 Speaker 2: Saturday night six o'clock Auckland FC against Melbourne victory in 211 00:12:08,267 --> 00:12:10,867 Speaker 2: the second League of the semi with a place in 212 00:12:10,907 --> 00:12:12,627 Speaker 2: the Grand Final on the line at the end of it. 213 00:12:12,707 --> 00:12:16,787 Speaker 2: And then twenty four hours later Warriors v Canberra Raiders, 214 00:12:17,227 --> 00:12:19,667 Speaker 2: the team that gave them a bit of a hiding 215 00:12:20,347 --> 00:12:23,707 Speaker 2: in Vegas and round one of the NRL season. I 216 00:12:23,747 --> 00:12:25,747 Speaker 2: said to Francesca when we chad to just before midday, 217 00:12:25,747 --> 00:12:27,907 Speaker 2: I think might just roll out of bed. Think I 218 00:12:28,147 --> 00:12:29,707 Speaker 2: just stay there for the whole weekends. 219 00:12:30,427 --> 00:12:33,627 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 220 00:12:33,747 --> 00:12:37,027 Speaker 1: to News Talk said B weekends from midday, or follow 221 00:12:37,067 --> 00:12:38,667 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.