It might sound like a crazy idea, but it might just happen.
Proposals for a new stadium in Auckland began in 2006 during the run-up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but nothing eventuated at the time.
Instead, Eden Park was upgraded at a cost of $256 million to make it the centrepiece venue of the tournament.
Eden Park is currently Auckland’s largest stadium, but it is old and in need of constant upgrades and maintenance estimated to cost $250 million over the next 15 years, assuming work remains on budget.
These ongoing costs, along with accessibility, are the main factors driving another push to build a new stadium in Auckland.
Previous plans for a downtown stadium on Auckland’s waterfront were brought undone by height restrictions on buildings to avoid blocking sightlines of the harbour.
This has led to an amazing design by New Zealand architect Phil O’Reilly to build a stadium below the water line of the harbour.
While it sounds outlandish, there have been other large-scale projects built below water level, and in engineering terms, building the caisson won’t be much different from building a really big swimming pool, except you’re trying to keep the water out rather than in.
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It’s even getting serious attention from world leading consultancy BuroHappold Engineering, who worked on London’s Olympic Stadium.
Partner at BuroHappold Engineering, Matthew Birchall said of the design concept, “There is a real potential with this solution to create a modern colosseum of sport and entertainment that would enable a unique experience for the spectators and players alike, and which could generate a truly unique atmosphere.
“We would love to work with the stakeholders in Auckland to realise a new stadium development that would be a catalyst for the city’s ongoing social and economic development. The city’s and the professional sports clubs needs could work very well together – creating an active and iconic venue that inspires a generation.”
The design itself comes in several variations. No roof, with roof, one with cruise ship terminals on either side and a final design built inland.
There’s still a lot of bureaucracy to go through, but if it comes into being, it will certainly be iconic. Having that kind of a stadium as a venue featured in the A-League would generate plenty of attention.
Whether that’s enough of a reason for FFA to consider giving Auckland an A-League team I don’t know. But at least it looks good.
What do you think, could an iconic stadium like ‘The Crater’ help Auckland’s chances of having an A-League team?
Bedazzler
Guest
Great to get the debate going, however there is a reason why there are no stadiums built underwater already - totally impractical, and massively expensive. Phil O'Reilly is a marketer and graphic designer, not an architect. This is a creative idea and well photoshopped image with zero construction knowledge.
Beni Iniesta
Guest
Auckland already had an A-League team did they not? Why do they need another one? How much would the upkeep costs be on this crater anyway? What happens when there's an earthquake and the place collapses under the waves?
Kaks
Roar Guru
Would be a logistical nightmare during construction, would quadruple the price of the construction cost of the stadium. Maintenance will be a night mare. The irrigation needs to be faultless (good luck). It looks great in theory, but that's all architects do, make things look great in theory!
Jeff Williamson
Roar Pro
Auckland are considering a new stadium primarily for rugby union and rugby league. The proposal is not about A-league or even football in New Zealand. Interesting idea for the stadium, but it does not seem to have much support in Auckland.
Ken Spacey
Guest
yep possibly Rhetoric too
Ken Spacey
Guest
NZ showing a genuine commitment to being in the HAL would help. Its like all these kids in a candy store would be franchises. Tasmania want to be in but hang on we want to have half the AFL clubs in Melbourne half committed to half being based in Tassie. Show some commitment, put up the money for at least ten years, build or adapt proper rectangular stadia or bugger off. NZ should be angling to join AFC of its own initiative, assuming it has any ambition. Classic comment by Football official yesterday, we can be part of women's world cup at Blundstone arena. Retotic 1, Commitment 0.
Mahler
Guest
Is he 'aving a larf?
The Auteur
Guest
"Whether that’s enough of a reason for FFA to consider giving Auckland an A-League team I don’t know." If you seriously think whether Auckland having an underwater stadium will have any significant influence on deciding on expansion then I fear for our education system. Another terrible article from you.
Agent11
Guest
one day the FFA will say to themselves "if only we had listened to that Nick Symonds kid"
jeff dustby
Guest
yep, a new stadium is all they need . still one of your best articles 3/10