July 15, 2025 • 19 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine 15 July 2025, the Blues are weighing up whether to continue playing at Eden Park or find a new home ground for the 2026 season. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner joins the podcast to share his concerns and discuss the stadium's strong case for delivering the best fan experience.
Piney considers what triggers sporting organisations should consider when encouraging attendance of live sporting events.
Plus, Newstalk ZB sports journalist Nathan Limm joins The Chamber to discuss the West Indies narrowly missing out on claiming a test cricket record from New Zealand.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
D BE Hello there and welcome into a fresh episode
of the Sports Fix podcast and association with GJ. Gardner
Homes New Zealand's most trusted home builder. My name's Jason
Fine on Tuesday, July fifteen. As we've got a couple
of really interesting things to kick around today, the first
of which is the Blues weighing up whether they move
(00:41):
away from Eden Park.
Speaker 3 (00:42):
For Super Rugby.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Their contract with Eden Park is up, so they're making
a decision around whether they continue to play there and
they're getting the feedback from their fans. How do they
feel about this? At Eden Park CEO Nick Sortner is
with us on the Sports Fix podcast. We'll kick around
a few topics in the chamber as well, including the
West Indies coming ever so close to taking away one
(01:04):
of the most unwanted test cricket records from US seventy
years ago. We were bowled out for twenty six at
eden Bark. Ironically enough this morning, the West and he's
just squeaking past that all out for twenty seven against Australia.
That and the latest and sports news.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
So let's get into it.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
In other news, Let's get started, as always, with a
look at some of the big sports stories around today.
The Western These have avoided narrowly sharing the mental with
New Zealand for the lowest completed Test cricket innings on
the third day of their third Test against Australia in Jamaica.
The Windy's bowled out for just twenty seven seven ducks
(01:45):
in there and a special moment for Ozzie Quick Bowl
of Scottie.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Boland's God Stoody has.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Gone Scotty Bowland, the tenth Australian to achieve the feed,
taking this gore to twenty six for nine, level with
New Zealand's record low against England at Eden Park in
nineteen fifty five. The Wellington Phoenix Men have signed a
six he's a two departed striker cost of Barbarusis for
the upcoming A League football season. Nigerian striker Ephine is
(02:15):
A joins from Iraq's top league, where he scored fifteen
goals in thirty seven appearances last season.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
The lot of expectation from Define Yeah I know that
and if for a pick challenge from me out word,
but I think I'm comfortable to replet him.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
And Simon Yeates has won the later stage of Cycling's
Tour de France, stripping the leader's yellow jersey off tade
Bergartia to take a twenty nine second advantage, and he
plans to keep hold of the yellow garments.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Stick can be rue.
Speaker 4 (02:43):
Nazov, you know, got to respect the jersey and yeah,
I'm in quite nice position now. I guess there's a
try and hold on as long as possible.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Leading a vix, We've got just the ticket. It's Sports
Vix powered by News Talks IVY.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
The Blues are examining their venue options for next Super
Rugby season and beyond, and to be honest, it's something
all professional sports organizations have to be constantly considered. What
will bring people through the turnstiles, what will get bums
on seats, and what will keep them coming back for more.
There are several triggers that will stop someone going along
(03:19):
to live sport. The weather, the venue and where it is,
the cost of the ticket, the day the game is on,
the time of day the game is on, the time
of year the game is on whether your team is
doing well or not, the magnitude or importance of the game,
the cost and quality of food and beverage, the extra
entertainment or not at the game, whether you can meet
(03:40):
the players afterwards for selfies and signatures, and the overall
experience of being there compared to watching at home. That
is quite the list, with only one of those things
really needing to be triggered for someone to say, you
know what, I'll just stay home and watch it on TV.
The tricky bit is that the triggers for one punter
won't match those of another. For example, I have very
(04:03):
little interest in the match day entertainment. I am there
specifically to watch the sport, but I know it's important
for other people, especially families. Everyone has their preferences and
their reasons for attending. Auckland FC struck a magic formula
in their first A League football season and a huge
part of that was the fan experience at go Media Stadium.
(04:26):
The active supporter group the port did a large part
of the marketing for Auckland FC for free. People saw
them on TV and what was being created by them
and thought I need to be a part of that,
and when they came along, they enjoyed it so much
they kept on coming back. One thing I do know
is this we the fans, need to be right in
(04:47):
the center of this discussion, and sporting bodies like the
Blues and everybody else need to then work their way
out from there, because without the fans in the stands,
live sport is a shadow of what it purports to be.
They say, being there is everything, but with no one there,
there's nothing.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
This is sport your daily does of sports news, how
and by news talks there be.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
On the Sports Fixed podcast.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
The Blues are reportedly considering a move away from Eden Park.
Their contract with the venue ended at the end of
the twenty twenty five Super Rugby season. They've begun gathering
the views of fans on whether they would be in
favor of a move to Mount Smart, sending out a
survey to members asking whether they would be more or
less likely to attend Blues Super Rugby home games if
(05:36):
they were held at Mount Smart instead of Eden Park
next season.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Eden Park CEO Nick Sortner.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Is with us, Nick, how concerned are you that the
Blues will move away from Eden Park?
Speaker 5 (05:47):
Well, twenty twenty six marks thirty years of the Blues
at Eden Park and it is their spiritual home. We
are working with the Blues to ensure that they understand
that the true path to purchase the streets the street
set experience, but also what we can deliver in terms
of the fan experience because we know that have been
(06:09):
declining in super rugby and we need to find new
ways to get people back to the code.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
How important a tenant are the Blues for you?
Speaker 5 (06:18):
Rugby's critical at eden Park with a fortress for the
All Blacks thirty years without a loss. It's central to
our membership and Eden Park as a significant membership base
that contributes into the gate for the Blues, but it
also contributes to our corporate suite revenues and our icon partners.
So yeah, can't emphasize enough. We want to see more
(06:38):
rugby played at Eden Park and we want to be
able to like we did two years ago renegotiate our
terms with the Blues to continue that included sponsoring their
women's team for the last four years to ensure that
they are a viable entity. And when we saw last
season that to see has sold out final at Eden
Park and the revenue that can be derived from a
(07:01):
full Eden Park, So our focus is getting more people
back to the park, but also then some of those enhancements,
and it's something that we've put forward to the Blues
with eight different zones that really complement the GA experience.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
You mentioned before about declining attendances across the board. What
do you think are the main things that affect attendance
regardless of where games are played?
Speaker 5 (07:26):
On field? Experience. I think people are looking for an experience,
so whether it be the timing end of the game,
the entertainment element, and then everything else that goes with
an event of that caliber. It is a competitive market.
Now we're seeing consistently or condesc getting twenty thousand to
mount Smart Stadium, and then also the Warriors consistently selling out,
(07:49):
so we are seeing additional competition for the Super Rugby
Dollar and the Sports Dollar. So we need to ensure
that the product on field is something that people want
to go and experience, and then off field the street
to seed experiences I mentioned one of the things I
think is going to be transformational for the city and
also for the stadium as a CRL. Once it opens
(08:12):
next year, Eden Park will be seven minutes from the
CBD on public transport. Now, there aren't too many stadiums
globally that has that infrastructure. The government needs that to
be used and we're confident in major events that'll be
a real change for our city.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
You mentioned the on field performance.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
Not much you can do about that, nick that's in
the hands of the Blues and their high performance team.
But how do you think Eden Park writes as far
as a fan experience is concerned, Well.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
It is a challenge in a city of one point
seven million people to get fifty thousand people going to
domestic content, and so it's around what you can do
in terms of the stadium and the configuration to make
it fan focused and friendly when only twenty five thousand
people are attending, and we see that consistently with cricket.
With twenty five thousand fans, you have a great experience.
(09:01):
And obviously all Black Tests you look at later this year,
there's no question that the South African and Wall of
these games will be sellouts. It's probably the hottest ticket
in town, the Allbacks versus South Africa. We saw with
a FIFA Women's World Cup we sold six of nine
games we sold out and we got such positive feedback
(09:21):
arising out of FIFA that we've been engaged to a
variety of services post the FIFA Women's World Cup, So
we know that our field is world class. We know
our food and beverage offer with the new products we've introduced.
We know that now we need to introduce technology like
AI and seamless transitions in our retail outlet to get
people serve quicker. So there's a whole range of things
(09:43):
that we're doing to improve the experience. Over the last
three years, we've invested forty five million dollars of venue
upgrades with new screens, new lighting, new fan experiences across
a number of areas with sensory rooms and our comfort
zone for the mobility patron. So there's a continual investment needed.
You know that we receive zero funding from council and government.
(10:06):
That differs from the other venues in Auckland, Mount Smart
and Western Springs and North Harbor. But there's no excuse
as to why we shouldn't be able to get more
people back to Super Rugby.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
And you did right Nick. You know, when it's full,
it's absolutely magnificent and we all can't wait for the
sixth of September when Bill Blacks played the spring Box.
As you say, twenty five thousand for cricket or rugby whatever,
it is fantastic.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
What about when only eight or ten turn.
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Up though, So that's where we're looking with the Blues
to say, and we've seen it with Auckland FC, whether
it be putting a ferris wheel or a slide, there's
no reason why we can't have those experience at Eden
Park and that's what we want to work with them
on is to create these zones within the venue. I
was fortunate enough to just get back from the US
and the UK and we've seen Eden Park win another
(10:51):
couple of awards at the Stadium Business Summit in Manchester.
But also seeing what stadiums are doing globally, whether it
be the new Fulham Stadium that their whole focus is
actually on non event days and the experience outwood facing
or indeed somewey like the New York Yankees where they've
created ten or fifteen zones from standing areas, through the
bench seats through to indeed field clubs. This is where
(11:13):
I think that the stadium industry will lead to, is
where it's not just a standard seat, there might be
five or ten different experiences, including family friendly zones with
jumping castles and food offerings that complement that family zone.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
All right, to finish, are you confident you'll extend your
partnership with the Blues.
Speaker 5 (11:34):
We want the Blues to be playing at Eden Park,
and we obviously acknowledge that if there are areas that
the fans and the Blues members want to see improvements made,
we will do that. But we need to ensure that
it is viable for all parties to continue the relationship.
And the best way that we can make Super Rugby
(11:55):
surviving and thriving is by getting more people back to games,
and that's our focus to work with, whether it be
the Blues, MYA Pacific or indeed New Zealand's Rugby to
get more people back to Super Rugby.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Thanks for your tome, Nick. We'll watch on with next
augh no Eden Park CEO with us on sports Fix.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
The Chamber is now in session on sports Fax.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
On the Sports Fix podcast. Let us assemble inside the chamber.
And when I say us, I mean me and well
Jack of so many trades here at News Talks, he'd
be and nz Me, Nathan Lemhead.
Speaker 6 (12:27):
Nath A Peny. I'm very well, thank you.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
Well, I've got you here.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
I did want to tap into your netball expertise because
the A and Z Premiership regular season is all done,
we look forward to the top three taking part in
the playoffs. I just wanted to get your assessment on
those sides that haven't made the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (12:44):
I've had to look back at the Magic, that's.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
The at least sixth season in a row, now that
they won't play in the postseason. That that really surprised me.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
Did it surprise you?
Speaker 4 (12:55):
It does surprise me, Piney, because if you look at
their team and the kind of personnel that they're blessed
with the likes of Silver Fans captain mili aroandi Canasio,
the experience of Eden and mchaidie at the defensive end,
and you clear O'Brien, is you know, knocking on the
door of Silver Fern selections just sort of been there
or thereabouts. You know that they have the team to
make the playoffs and some pundits at the start of
(13:15):
this year we're picking the Magic to be, you know,
contending for the title. They expected them to be right
up there at the top of the table, but they
just haven't seemed to be able to put it together
in terms of consistency of performances and racking up those wins.
They've just fallen short this year, to put it plain
and simple, and other teams have just been better in
terms of their fluidity on court and in their attack.
(13:36):
So yeah, it is kind of a head scratcher a
bit for the Magic because Mary Jay Nadado is a
really good coach and they've they've got the personnel to
be doing it.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
The Steel also without an appearance in the playoffs for
a little while, they kind of just left their run
a bit late this year.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
Today they did.
Speaker 4 (13:53):
They did. They had a poor start to the season.
It sort of became a case of what could have been.
They've come really into form in the second half of
the season. Georgia heffern And especially has been fantastic for
them in the second half of the year. But I
think this Steel can be really, really, really pleased with
how the season's gone. Given where they started Wendy Frew
taking over. They finished dead last about the last two years,
(14:16):
and Wendy Frew did a fantastic job with the recruiting
specifically and getting the services of Karstife from the Mystics.
She's in a goalkeep and she'll be knocking on the
door of Silver Fan selection this year she's been fantastic,
but also securing the services of Kimmie order Poi and
Ali had done. They're sort of the center wing attack
for the Tactics and the goal shoot for the Tactics.
So bringing that combination down to the Steel and having
(14:37):
those two who already know each other really well, throwing
Georgia Heffern who's played for the Silver Ferns, and you've
got a really sharp sort of attacking end flowing in
from the mid court.
Speaker 6 (14:45):
So the Steel.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
I think I've been really impressed with the Steel the
season and they are poised to have a much better
year if they can get started in better fashion next year.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
And the Northern Stars bottom of the pile this year.
They were fifth last year, but before that I remember
them being a lot more competitive.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
What's gone on at the Northern Stars.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
Yeah, well they were in the Grand Final a couple
of years ago against the Mystics, weren't they and Kitty
Wills led them to two Grand Finals. In fact, a
tough year for the Stars, tema part of Bailey taking over,
you know, her first year and as coach, the Stars
have been really unfortunate in terms of injuries. You know,
they lost they had three players, don't know if you
remember Pinty in the opening game of the season, they
had three players wheeled off the court and Sinclair and
(15:25):
Cap Burley, who the linchpins of their mid court, went
off and Charlie Bell was wheeled off as well, but
she was able to recover from injury pretty quickly, so
that really rocked the Stars at the start of their season.
I also noted that although they started Charlie Bell through
the most of the season, she's actually been dropped for
the last two weeks. They haven't been playing her, They've
been playing Mike Wilson at goal shoot. So I think,
(15:47):
you know, with the horrid run of injuries, and this
has been right across the as the Pulse have also
dealt with loads of injuries, but the Stars especially were
really hampered by that right at the beginning, and it
just put them right on the back foot and they
haven't been able to rack up many wins. I think
they only have one for the season, but they have
pushed teams close, so there is plenty of potential there
if they can keep all their players on the court
(16:07):
and they're going to have to wait next year.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
All right.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
So the Mainland Tactics host the Central Polster's coming Sunday
in the elimination final for the right to head to
Auckland to take on the Mystics the following Sunday. Just
before we moved. Did the two point shot innovation work?
Speaker 4 (16:22):
I think it worked in terms of making the product
more entertaining. There was a few games in which we
had the winning shot as a two point shot in
the dying seconds and that's created, you know, heroes for fans.
In terms of that, I think of Amarrangi Malasala just
in the round gone against the Magic, that final shot
when it's fifty four or all from the two point
line for the Pulse to win fifty six to fifty
(16:44):
four and a qualify for the elimination final. So I
think the two point shot has been really good in
terms of making the games more exciting. However, I think
it has lengthened the gaps that we've seen between We've
seen a lot of like trouncings in the ams the Premiership,
and that's because when a team gets behind, they start
going for the two pointer to try and catched up
and then they're missing, and the gaps the other teams
(17:05):
going up the other end of the court and scoring,
and the gap between the scores is getting larger and larger.
So that's sort of I think the two point stot
has accentuated how big the gap is between teams because
they're going to that option and haven't been as accurate.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
All right, Hey, great insight into our AMC Premiership. Just
before we exit the chamber, I want to talk about
the West Indies a narrowly avoiding one of the most
unwanted records and Test cricket history, bowled out for twenty seven.
It's been seventy years since New Zealand were bowled out
for twenty six at Eden Park.
Speaker 3 (17:34):
I thought we were going to finally get rid of
that record. Nathan.
Speaker 6 (17:37):
I was guttered pine and I still am.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
I was really cheering for Australia to just roll them
for six, but I just yeah, they are so close
and they only got away with it too because Sam
Constace had a missfield. I know they were twenty six
for nine, they go to twenty seven and their midstart
ends the innings.
Speaker 6 (17:53):
The following ball so we nearly had it, Poney.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
I know.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
The thing is, once they got to twenty six, I
kind of thought, okay, well, if they're out for twenty six,
it only equals the record. I think once they got
to twenty six, I was like, all right, well, well
it's gone now. I to remember a few years ago
and a pinkball test New Zealand reduced England to you know,
twenty for not many, oh sorry, twenty for plenty of wickets,
and I thought there was going to fall then, and
they eventually got there. Do you think what anyone will
(18:17):
ever be out for less than twenty six?
Speaker 6 (18:21):
Well we could bowl them for less than twenty six
later this year, Piney. It was funny.
Speaker 4 (18:25):
I was talking to Matt and Tyler on the B
Afternoon Show about this, and we're talking Westerns have been
pretty hopeless and tests sort of recently they've had the
odd like really good win and we were joking about
they should they have their test status revoked for this,
but we need them to keep that because they're the
only test we've got in our home summer later this year,
So they better stay out up there.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
Ye who knows, maybe we can make them threaten that
record later in the year.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
Always enjoy your company in the chamber.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
Nay, thanks for stopping in, Mate, Thanks Pony needing a X.
We've got just the ticket.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
It's Sports Fix, News Talks IVY and that.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
To wrap on Sports Fix for today. Thank you so
much for listening in and for subscribing. For subscribers to
the Sports Fox podcast, you'll know by now that a
fresh episode will appear in your feed and around about
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Sport midday till three Saturday and Sunday.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
For more from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Listen live on air or online and keep our shows
with you wherever you go with our podcasts on Iarradio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
D BE Hello there and welcome into a fresh episode
of the Sports Fix podcast and association with GJ. Gardner
Homes New Zealand's most trusted home builder. My name's Jason
Fine on Tuesday, July fifteen. As we've got a couple
of really interesting things to kick around today, the first
of which is the Blues weighing up whether they move
(00:41):
away from Eden Park.
Speaker 3 (00:42):
For Super Rugby.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Their contract with Eden Park is up, so they're making
a decision around whether they continue to play there and
they're getting the feedback from their fans. How do they
feel about this? At Eden Park CEO Nick Sortner is
with us on the Sports Fix podcast. We'll kick around
a few topics in the chamber as well, including the
West Indies coming ever so close to taking away one
(01:04):
of the most unwanted test cricket records from US seventy
years ago. We were bowled out for twenty six at
eden Bark. Ironically enough this morning, the West and he's
just squeaking past that all out for twenty seven against Australia.
That and the latest and sports news.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
So let's get into it.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
In other news, Let's get started, as always, with a
look at some of the big sports stories around today.
The Western These have avoided narrowly sharing the mental with
New Zealand for the lowest completed Test cricket innings on
the third day of their third Test against Australia in Jamaica.
The Windy's bowled out for just twenty seven seven ducks
(01:45):
in there and a special moment for Ozzie Quick Bowl
of Scottie.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Boland's God Stoody has.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Gone Scotty Bowland, the tenth Australian to achieve the feed,
taking this gore to twenty six for nine, level with
New Zealand's record low against England at Eden Park in
nineteen fifty five. The Wellington Phoenix Men have signed a
six he's a two departed striker cost of Barbarusis for
the upcoming A League football season. Nigerian striker Ephine is
(02:15):
A joins from Iraq's top league, where he scored fifteen
goals in thirty seven appearances last season.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
The lot of expectation from Define Yeah I know that
and if for a pick challenge from me out word,
but I think I'm comfortable to replet him.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
And Simon Yeates has won the later stage of Cycling's
Tour de France, stripping the leader's yellow jersey off tade
Bergartia to take a twenty nine second advantage, and he
plans to keep hold of the yellow garments.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Stick can be rue.
Speaker 4 (02:43):
Nazov, you know, got to respect the jersey and yeah,
I'm in quite nice position now. I guess there's a
try and hold on as long as possible.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Leading a vix, We've got just the ticket. It's Sports
Vix powered by News Talks IVY.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
The Blues are examining their venue options for next Super
Rugby season and beyond, and to be honest, it's something
all professional sports organizations have to be constantly considered. What
will bring people through the turnstiles, what will get bums
on seats, and what will keep them coming back for more.
There are several triggers that will stop someone going along
(03:19):
to live sport. The weather, the venue and where it is,
the cost of the ticket, the day the game is on,
the time of day the game is on, the time
of year the game is on whether your team is
doing well or not, the magnitude or importance of the game,
the cost and quality of food and beverage, the extra
entertainment or not at the game, whether you can meet
(03:40):
the players afterwards for selfies and signatures, and the overall
experience of being there compared to watching at home. That
is quite the list, with only one of those things
really needing to be triggered for someone to say, you
know what, I'll just stay home and watch it on TV.
The tricky bit is that the triggers for one punter
won't match those of another. For example, I have very
(04:03):
little interest in the match day entertainment. I am there
specifically to watch the sport, but I know it's important
for other people, especially families. Everyone has their preferences and
their reasons for attending. Auckland FC struck a magic formula
in their first A League football season and a huge
part of that was the fan experience at go Media Stadium.
(04:26):
The active supporter group the port did a large part
of the marketing for Auckland FC for free. People saw
them on TV and what was being created by them
and thought I need to be a part of that,
and when they came along, they enjoyed it so much
they kept on coming back. One thing I do know
is this we the fans, need to be right in
(04:47):
the center of this discussion, and sporting bodies like the
Blues and everybody else need to then work their way
out from there, because without the fans in the stands,
live sport is a shadow of what it purports to be.
They say, being there is everything, but with no one there,
there's nothing.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
This is sport your daily does of sports news, how
and by news talks there be.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
On the Sports Fixed podcast.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
The Blues are reportedly considering a move away from Eden Park.
Their contract with the venue ended at the end of
the twenty twenty five Super Rugby season. They've begun gathering
the views of fans on whether they would be in
favor of a move to Mount Smart, sending out a
survey to members asking whether they would be more or
less likely to attend Blues Super Rugby home games if
(05:36):
they were held at Mount Smart instead of Eden Park
next season.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Eden Park CEO Nick Sortner.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Is with us, Nick, how concerned are you that the
Blues will move away from Eden Park?
Speaker 5 (05:47):
Well, twenty twenty six marks thirty years of the Blues
at Eden Park and it is their spiritual home. We
are working with the Blues to ensure that they understand
that the true path to purchase the streets the street
set experience, but also what we can deliver in terms
of the fan experience because we know that have been
(06:09):
declining in super rugby and we need to find new
ways to get people back to the code.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
How important a tenant are the Blues for you?
Speaker 5 (06:18):
Rugby's critical at eden Park with a fortress for the
All Blacks thirty years without a loss. It's central to
our membership and Eden Park as a significant membership base
that contributes into the gate for the Blues, but it
also contributes to our corporate suite revenues and our icon partners.
So yeah, can't emphasize enough. We want to see more
(06:38):
rugby played at Eden Park and we want to be
able to like we did two years ago renegotiate our
terms with the Blues to continue that included sponsoring their
women's team for the last four years to ensure that
they are a viable entity. And when we saw last
season that to see has sold out final at Eden
Park and the revenue that can be derived from a
(07:01):
full Eden Park, So our focus is getting more people
back to the park, but also then some of those enhancements,
and it's something that we've put forward to the Blues
with eight different zones that really complement the GA experience.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
You mentioned before about declining attendances across the board. What
do you think are the main things that affect attendance
regardless of where games are played?
Speaker 5 (07:26):
On field? Experience. I think people are looking for an experience,
so whether it be the timing end of the game,
the entertainment element, and then everything else that goes with
an event of that caliber. It is a competitive market.
Now we're seeing consistently or condesc getting twenty thousand to
mount Smart Stadium, and then also the Warriors consistently selling out,
(07:49):
so we are seeing additional competition for the Super Rugby
Dollar and the Sports Dollar. So we need to ensure
that the product on field is something that people want
to go and experience, and then off field the street
to seed experiences I mentioned one of the things I
think is going to be transformational for the city and
also for the stadium as a CRL. Once it opens
(08:12):
next year, Eden Park will be seven minutes from the
CBD on public transport. Now, there aren't too many stadiums
globally that has that infrastructure. The government needs that to
be used and we're confident in major events that'll be
a real change for our city.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
You mentioned the on field performance.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
Not much you can do about that, nick that's in
the hands of the Blues and their high performance team.
But how do you think Eden Park writes as far
as a fan experience is concerned, Well.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
It is a challenge in a city of one point
seven million people to get fifty thousand people going to
domestic content, and so it's around what you can do
in terms of the stadium and the configuration to make
it fan focused and friendly when only twenty five thousand
people are attending, and we see that consistently with cricket.
With twenty five thousand fans, you have a great experience.
(09:01):
And obviously all Black Tests you look at later this year,
there's no question that the South African and Wall of
these games will be sellouts. It's probably the hottest ticket
in town, the Allbacks versus South Africa. We saw with
a FIFA Women's World Cup we sold six of nine
games we sold out and we got such positive feedback
(09:21):
arising out of FIFA that we've been engaged to a
variety of services post the FIFA Women's World Cup, So
we know that our field is world class. We know
our food and beverage offer with the new products we've introduced.
We know that now we need to introduce technology like
AI and seamless transitions in our retail outlet to get
people serve quicker. So there's a whole range of things
(09:43):
that we're doing to improve the experience. Over the last
three years, we've invested forty five million dollars of venue
upgrades with new screens, new lighting, new fan experiences across
a number of areas with sensory rooms and our comfort
zone for the mobility patron. So there's a continual investment needed.
You know that we receive zero funding from council and government.
(10:06):
That differs from the other venues in Auckland, Mount Smart
and Western Springs and North Harbor. But there's no excuse
as to why we shouldn't be able to get more
people back to Super Rugby.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
And you did right Nick. You know, when it's full,
it's absolutely magnificent and we all can't wait for the
sixth of September when Bill Blacks played the spring Box.
As you say, twenty five thousand for cricket or rugby whatever,
it is fantastic.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
What about when only eight or ten turn.
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Up though, So that's where we're looking with the Blues
to say, and we've seen it with Auckland FC, whether
it be putting a ferris wheel or a slide, there's
no reason why we can't have those experience at Eden
Park and that's what we want to work with them
on is to create these zones within the venue. I
was fortunate enough to just get back from the US
and the UK and we've seen Eden Park win another
(10:51):
couple of awards at the Stadium Business Summit in Manchester.
But also seeing what stadiums are doing globally, whether it
be the new Fulham Stadium that their whole focus is
actually on non event days and the experience outwood facing
or indeed somewey like the New York Yankees where they've
created ten or fifteen zones from standing areas, through the
bench seats through to indeed field clubs. This is where
(11:13):
I think that the stadium industry will lead to, is
where it's not just a standard seat, there might be
five or ten different experiences, including family friendly zones with
jumping castles and food offerings that complement that family zone.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
All right, to finish, are you confident you'll extend your
partnership with the Blues.
Speaker 5 (11:34):
We want the Blues to be playing at Eden Park,
and we obviously acknowledge that if there are areas that
the fans and the Blues members want to see improvements made,
we will do that. But we need to ensure that
it is viable for all parties to continue the relationship.
And the best way that we can make Super Rugby
(11:55):
surviving and thriving is by getting more people back to games,
and that's our focus to work with, whether it be
the Blues, MYA Pacific or indeed New Zealand's Rugby to
get more people back to Super Rugby.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Thanks for your tome, Nick. We'll watch on with next
augh no Eden Park CEO with us on sports Fix.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
The Chamber is now in session on sports Fax.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
On the Sports Fix podcast. Let us assemble inside the chamber.
And when I say us, I mean me and well
Jack of so many trades here at News Talks, he'd
be and nz Me, Nathan Lemhead.
Speaker 6 (12:27):
Nath A Peny. I'm very well, thank you.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
Well, I've got you here.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
I did want to tap into your netball expertise because
the A and Z Premiership regular season is all done,
we look forward to the top three taking part in
the playoffs. I just wanted to get your assessment on
those sides that haven't made the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (12:44):
I've had to look back at the Magic, that's.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
The at least sixth season in a row, now that
they won't play in the postseason. That that really surprised me.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
Did it surprise you?
Speaker 4 (12:55):
It does surprise me, Piney, because if you look at
their team and the kind of personnel that they're blessed
with the likes of Silver Fans captain mili aroandi Canasio,
the experience of Eden and mchaidie at the defensive end,
and you clear O'Brien, is you know, knocking on the
door of Silver Fern selections just sort of been there
or thereabouts. You know that they have the team to
make the playoffs and some pundits at the start of
(13:15):
this year we're picking the Magic to be, you know,
contending for the title. They expected them to be right
up there at the top of the table, but they
just haven't seemed to be able to put it together
in terms of consistency of performances and racking up those wins.
They've just fallen short this year, to put it plain
and simple, and other teams have just been better in
terms of their fluidity on court and in their attack.
(13:36):
So yeah, it is kind of a head scratcher a
bit for the Magic because Mary Jay Nadado is a
really good coach and they've they've got the personnel to
be doing it.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
The Steel also without an appearance in the playoffs for
a little while, they kind of just left their run
a bit late this year.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
Today they did.
Speaker 4 (13:53):
They did. They had a poor start to the season.
It sort of became a case of what could have been.
They've come really into form in the second half of
the season. Georgia heffern And especially has been fantastic for
them in the second half of the year. But I
think this Steel can be really, really, really pleased with
how the season's gone. Given where they started Wendy Frew
taking over. They finished dead last about the last two years,
(14:16):
and Wendy Frew did a fantastic job with the recruiting
specifically and getting the services of Karstife from the Mystics.
She's in a goalkeep and she'll be knocking on the
door of Silver Fan selection this year she's been fantastic,
but also securing the services of Kimmie order Poi and
Ali had done. They're sort of the center wing attack
for the Tactics and the goal shoot for the Tactics.
So bringing that combination down to the Steel and having
(14:37):
those two who already know each other really well, throwing
Georgia Heffern who's played for the Silver Ferns, and you've
got a really sharp sort of attacking end flowing in
from the mid court.
Speaker 6 (14:45):
So the Steel.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
I think I've been really impressed with the Steel the
season and they are poised to have a much better
year if they can get started in better fashion next year.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
And the Northern Stars bottom of the pile this year.
They were fifth last year, but before that I remember
them being a lot more competitive.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
What's gone on at the Northern Stars.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
Yeah, well they were in the Grand Final a couple
of years ago against the Mystics, weren't they and Kitty
Wills led them to two Grand Finals. In fact, a
tough year for the Stars, tema part of Bailey taking over,
you know, her first year and as coach, the Stars
have been really unfortunate in terms of injuries. You know,
they lost they had three players, don't know if you
remember Pinty in the opening game of the season, they
had three players wheeled off the court and Sinclair and
(15:25):
Cap Burley, who the linchpins of their mid court, went
off and Charlie Bell was wheeled off as well, but
she was able to recover from injury pretty quickly, so
that really rocked the Stars at the start of their season.
I also noted that although they started Charlie Bell through
the most of the season, she's actually been dropped for
the last two weeks. They haven't been playing her, They've
been playing Mike Wilson at goal shoot. So I think,
(15:47):
you know, with the horrid run of injuries, and this
has been right across the as the Pulse have also
dealt with loads of injuries, but the Stars especially were
really hampered by that right at the beginning, and it
just put them right on the back foot and they
haven't been able to rack up many wins. I think
they only have one for the season, but they have
pushed teams close, so there is plenty of potential there
if they can keep all their players on the court
(16:07):
and they're going to have to wait next year.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
All right.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
So the Mainland Tactics host the Central Polster's coming Sunday
in the elimination final for the right to head to
Auckland to take on the Mystics the following Sunday. Just
before we moved. Did the two point shot innovation work?
Speaker 4 (16:22):
I think it worked in terms of making the product
more entertaining. There was a few games in which we
had the winning shot as a two point shot in
the dying seconds and that's created, you know, heroes for fans.
In terms of that, I think of Amarrangi Malasala just
in the round gone against the Magic, that final shot
when it's fifty four or all from the two point
line for the Pulse to win fifty six to fifty
(16:44):
four and a qualify for the elimination final. So I
think the two point shot has been really good in
terms of making the games more exciting. However, I think
it has lengthened the gaps that we've seen between We've
seen a lot of like trouncings in the ams the Premiership,
and that's because when a team gets behind, they start
going for the two pointer to try and catched up
and then they're missing, and the gaps the other teams
(17:05):
going up the other end of the court and scoring,
and the gap between the scores is getting larger and larger.
So that's sort of I think the two point stot
has accentuated how big the gap is between teams because
they're going to that option and haven't been as accurate.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
All right, Hey, great insight into our AMC Premiership. Just
before we exit the chamber, I want to talk about
the West Indies a narrowly avoiding one of the most
unwanted records and Test cricket history, bowled out for twenty seven.
It's been seventy years since New Zealand were bowled out
for twenty six at Eden Park.
Speaker 3 (17:34):
I thought we were going to finally get rid of
that record. Nathan.
Speaker 6 (17:37):
I was guttered pine and I still am.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
I was really cheering for Australia to just roll them
for six, but I just yeah, they are so close
and they only got away with it too because Sam
Constace had a missfield. I know they were twenty six
for nine, they go to twenty seven and their midstart
ends the innings.
Speaker 6 (17:53):
The following ball so we nearly had it, Poney.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
I know.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
The thing is, once they got to twenty six, I
kind of thought, okay, well, if they're out for twenty six,
it only equals the record. I think once they got
to twenty six, I was like, all right, well, well
it's gone now. I to remember a few years ago
and a pinkball test New Zealand reduced England to you know,
twenty for not many, oh sorry, twenty for plenty of wickets,
and I thought there was going to fall then, and
they eventually got there. Do you think what anyone will
(18:17):
ever be out for less than twenty six?
Speaker 6 (18:21):
Well we could bowl them for less than twenty six
later this year, Piney. It was funny.
Speaker 4 (18:25):
I was talking to Matt and Tyler on the B
Afternoon Show about this, and we're talking Westerns have been
pretty hopeless and tests sort of recently they've had the
odd like really good win and we were joking about
they should they have their test status revoked for this,
but we need them to keep that because they're the
only test we've got in our home summer later this year,
So they better stay out up there.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
Ye who knows, maybe we can make them threaten that
record later in the year.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
Always enjoy your company in the chamber.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
Nay, thanks for stopping in, Mate, Thanks Pony needing a X.
We've got just the ticket.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
It's Sports Fix, News Talks IVY and that.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
To wrap on Sports Fix for today. Thank you so
much for listening in and for subscribing. For subscribers to
the Sports Fox podcast, you'll know by now that a
fresh episode will appear in your feed and around about
the same time tomorrow and every weekday and for more
from News Talks EDB Sport, check out Sports Talk weeknights
between seven and eight pm and on the weekends Weekend
Sport midday till three Saturday and Sunday.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
For more from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Listen live on air or online and keep our shows
with you wherever you go with our podcasts on Iarradio
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