Best ever business result for Ericsson Stadium

Ericsson Stadium generated its highest ever operating surplus and best ever fan satisfaction rating in the financial year 2002 / 2003.

The results were revealed in the Ericsson Stadium Annual Report at the Auckland Regional Council’s meeting today. The preliminary financial results for the stadium show an operating surplus of $820,464 against a budgeted operating surplus of $469,234. ARC Chairperson Gwen Bull says she is thrilled that the stadium has continued its excellent business record.

“The fact that our biggest ever surplus comes at a time when most stadiums around New Zealand are struggling financially is a tremendous achievement and a credit to the way the stadium has been managed,” Cr Bull The ARC-run Ericsson Stadium generated a modest surplus of $2,250 in 2000 / 01 and an improved surplus of $109,000 in the 2001 / 02 financial year.

“Obviously, we wouldn’t have generated an $820,464 surplus over the last 12 months without satisfied fans. To record a best ever patron satisfaction rating of 90% for the same period is the icing on the cake,” ARC parks and Heritage Committee Chairman Bill Burrill says.

Patron satisfaction surveys covering a full range of facilities and services are carried out at Ericsson Stadium at a variety of events through the year. Ericsson Stadium is home to the Vodafone Warriors, Football Kingz and Athletics Auckland and the financial year to the end of June also saw the stadium host 255 non-commercial, community benefit, outdoor events as well as 75 other club meetings and community activities in its meeting rooms and other facilities.

In the same 12-month period the ARC completed an impressive list of Ericsson Stadium projects within budget. These included replacing an electronic replay screen, replacing the West Stand roof as well as upgrades to plumbing, roads and paths, exterior lighting and signage.

“The stadium also continues to enjoy the reputation of providing the best playing surface in the NRL,” Cr Burrill adds. Cr Bull believes the outstanding all round business performance of Ericsson Stadium was a key factor in the Vodafone Warriors decision to sign an agreement with the ARC to make the stadium their home for the next 15 year.

“This latest result on the back of an improving business record over recent years illustrates that Ericsson Stadium is an asset to the Auckland region and points to a bright future at the stadium for all those who use it,” Cr Bull says.

Key projects at Ericsson Stadium for the current financial year include the development of a covered East Stand to replace the existing uncovered stand and the installation of electronic turnstiles at all stadium entrances.

The replacement East Stand will provide an improvement to overall stadium facilities and increase its capacity. It will be built as close as possible to the touchline giving fans the best possible view of the on-field action and maximising the stadium’s atmosphere.

The stand will have 8000 public seats (7000 of them covered), eight corporate suites, 872 club seats as well as new offices and a gymnasium for the Vodafone Warriors.

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