About this venue
Go Media Stadium is one of Auckland’s most recognisable stadiums, located in the Penrose area and designed as a strong open-air setting for major sports and music events. Formerly known as Mt Smart Stadium, the venue keeps a practical stadium identity while operating today as a modern location for matches, concerts and large-scale productions. Capacity changes depending on the event layout, and for the biggest shows it can welcome tens of thousands of visitors, giving it an important place in the city’s major events calendar.
The experience inside the stadium is built around clear views of the field or stage, the energy of an open venue and a layout that works well for both sports crowds and concert audiences. Key features include multiple seating zones, hospitality areas, food and beverage outlets, and additional mobile concessions at larger events. Because the stadium is not fully enclosed, sound, weather exposure and seat coverage can vary by section, so checking the seating plan before buying tickets is recommended.
The venue is located at 2 Beasley Avenue, Auckland, New Zealand. For large events, public parking around the stadium can be very limited or unavailable, while Penrose Station is around a 10 to 15-minute walk away, making access to the gates straightforward after arriving by train. For wider city transport options and connections, the Auckland description below is the natural next step.
About the city
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, blends a laid-back ocean atmosphere with big-city energy, making it a natural hub for concerts, major sporting showpieces, and large public events. The city stands out for modern arenas and stadiums spread across different neighbourhoods, so visitors can easily pair an event night with a great dinner, a waterfront walk, or a quick trip to a scenic lookout. Auckland often impresses first-time visitors because the “big city” feel here remains comfortable rather than overwhelming.
From a logistics point of view, getting around is straightforward thanks to the system run by Auckland Transport (AT) and its network of city bus, rail, and ferry services. The central downtown hub is Waitematā Station (also known as Britomart), which naturally connects onward across the city and to the waterfront, while the key air gateway is Auckland Airport (Auckland International Airport, AKL). For cross-harbour travel and departures toward island destinations, the Downtown Ferry Terminal is essential, so with a mix of train, bus, and ferry, reaching arenas and stadiums comes down to clear, short transfers and an easy walk.
Before or after your event, the city offers enough “tourist bonus” to round out the experience. Stroll the waterfront through Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, pause at Aotea Square, or follow Queen Street down to the harbour, and for wide views, head up Mount Eden (Maungawhau) or visit the Sky Tower. If you prefer a calmer pace, a short ferry ride takes you to Devonport with beautiful outlooks over Waitematā Harbour, while trips toward Rangitoto or Waiheke are ideal for a reset between big nights in this lively yet gentle Pacific city.
