A Business School report highlights the stadium's significant role in driving economic activity in Auckland.
Eden Park is delivering tens of millions of dollars in economic benefits to Auckland each year, according to a new study by researchers in the Faculty of Business and Economics at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
The report, The Economic Contribution of Eden Park to the Auckland Region, was produced as part of the University's strategic partnership with Eden Park. It was authored by Dr James Allan Jones and Dr Alan Jackson and provides the first comprehensive assessment of the stadium's economic footprint and its value to the regional economy.
The study found Eden Park generated an estimated $37.2 million in net additional GDP for the Auckland region in 2023/24, from 25 major sports and concert events attended by almost 495,000 people.
Concerts delivered the largest share of Eden Park's economic activity, generating $23.9 million from two P!NK shows and one Travis Scott concert, while sport contributed $13.3 million across 22 fixtures.
Large concerts typically generate around $8.3 million per event, compared with about $2.8 million for a major sporting match.
Researchers say concerts have a greater impact on the local economy because they attract large numbers of visitors from outside Auckland, bringing new spending into the region. By comparison, most sporting fixtures are attended mainly by local residents, which generates less new economic activity.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater says the report highlights the value of high-quality research to contribute to the understanding of world-class venues like Eden Park and how they can act as powerful drivers of regional growth and community vibrancy.
"This analysis shows the substantial and tangible contribution Eden Park makes to Auckland's economy. It shows how large-scale events can boost the economy, create jobs and generate wider benefits for the region."
She says the University's strategic partnership with Eden Park is grounded in a shared vision to make Auckland a better place to live, work and play.
"The University of Auckland is proud to be Eden Park's exclusive education and research partner. This collaboration aims to deliver real-world outcomes for our city by using research to create meaningful impact.
"The 2025 State of the City report highlights the importance of education, research and knowledge to the success of innovative cities. The Eden Park analysis builds on that, showing how academic expertise can be translated into insights that inform public debate and policy and drive positive change."
The government recently announced a $70 million investment package to boost New Zealand's events and tourism sectors, including $40 million to secure large-scale international events from 2026, and $10 million to support existing events and attract international opportunities.
The government has also confirmed it will launch an investigation into planning rules that restrict the number of concerts and events at Eden Park, amid concerns the constraints could be limiting the venue's economic potential.
Eden Park CEO, Nick Sautner, says the report provides valuable independent confirmation of the stadium's role as an economic driver for Auckland and New Zealand.
"Eden Park is much more than a stadium - it's a catalyst for jobs, tourism, hospitality and community vibrancy. This research confirms that every event we host delivers real benefits for Aucklanders, from the students working in our casual workforce to the local businesses that thrive on event days.
"With greater utilisation, Eden Park has the proven capacity to triple its contribution to the regional economy. This independent research report is essential because it gives our community and decision-makers confidence in the scale of value Eden Park delivers."
Through their partnership, the University and Eden Park have collaborated on a range of initiatives, including the student-led Solve It innovation challenge, the Art in the Park exhibition featuring specialist lectures from leading Art History experts, tailored professional development courses for Eden Park and its partners, and a Service-Learning Internship programme giving students hands-on industry experience.
The partnership aligns with the University's Taumata Teitei - Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025, which emphasises knowledge mobilisation, civic engagement and research impact that delivers public good.
Key findings
- In 2023/24, Eden Park hosted 25 major sports and concert events attended by almost 495,000 people.
- These events generated an estimated $37.2 million in net additional GDP for the Auckland region.
- Concerts contributed $23.9 million from just three events, compared to $13.3 million from 22 sports fixtures.
- Large concerts typically generate around $8.3 million per event, compared with about $2.8 million for a major sporting match.
- Domestic rugby contributed $6.3 million, including $2.7 million from the Blues' Super Rugby Final. Two All Blacks tests generated $2.8 million, while cricket and football contributed $0.9 million and $0.4 million respectively.
