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It’s game, set and match for sports fans, with the Government announcing a $5 million investment in a new Centre Court roof for Auckland’s Manuka Doctor Arena.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the investment will help secure the future of an important sporting asset for Auckland and New Zealand.
“I’m thrilled our recent support package for major events and tourism will help secure the future of this important sporting asset for Auckland and New Zealand,” says Upston.
“Stanley St is an iconic venue and has hosted at least a million spectators over the years, with hundreds of matches featuring high-profile tennis stars including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Serena Williams,” says Upston.
“This investment not only future-proofs Centre Court against the weather but also expands the types of events which can be held there, attracting more visitors and supporting our economy,” says Upston.
“It will also increase seating capacity and give more Kiwis the chance to experience world-class sporting action.”
Established more than 100 years ago, Manuka Doctor Arena currently hosts the ASB Classic for both men and women in the lead-up to the Australian Open – the first Grand Slam of the year – and is an important venue for the wider Auckland community.
This is the first infrastructure investment announced in the Government’s new $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, designed to energise the events sector, boost visitor numbers and drive economic activity across New Zealand.
“If we want to continue to attract world-class events to New Zealand, we need to have world-class facilities to go along with them,” says Upston.
“Tennis Auckland already works hard to promote and host what is a showpiece sporting event for New Zealand.
“This roof will mean more certainty for organisers, players and fans alike, and I’m pleased we’re able to announce baseline funding to support it.
“Upgrading existing events and tourism infrastructure like this bolsters activity in our cities and regions and improves the overall visitor experience.
“This is the first announcement, but local communities and businesses around the country will benefit significantly as we make further decisions, particularly around our hugely popular cycle trails,” says Upston.
The Government’s $5 million investment will support Tennis Auckland in co-funding its Centre Court Roof Project, estimated to cost $15 million and planned for completion in 2027.
