Vector Arena

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The Vector Arena is a 12,200-seat arena for sports and cultural events in Auckland, New Zealand. The arena had a "Public Open Day" on 18 March 2007, and the first event held in the arena was a rock concert on 24 March 2007.

Named for a sponsor, Vector Limited,^[1] it is located at Quay Park which is very close to the former Auckland Railway Station. It is estimated that Vector Arena will cost around $80 million. Of this sum, ratepayers have contributed $68 million for the facility to be managed by QPAM, the Australian operator, in New Zealand first big public-private partnership, to run for 40 years before ownership is transferred to the city.^[1]^[2]

1 Delays
2 Usage
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Delays

Vector Arena, design graphic.

The outwardly finished arena.

It was scheduled to open early 2006, then towards the end of 2006, when a second opening date was again missed. The delays are apparently due to the Arena's builder, Mainzeal, having various problems with the structure, especially with the roof, where the 120 m main truss had to be strengthened,^[3] and where added insulation to waterproof the building against the humid local climate had to be included. In a related issue, extra ventilation also had to be installed to prevent internal humidity build-up during full-capacity events.^[4] The construction company reportedly faces huge losses on the project, ^[2]^[5] and plans to sue the architects for partial compensation.^[4]

[edit] Usage

The new arena will be able to hold a wide-variety of events ranging from concerts and exhibitions to sports. Reportedly, sports such as netball, basketball, ice hockey, gymnastics, boxing, equestrian and motorcross will be able to be accommodated in the arena. Major team sports events like rugby will not be possible in the arena, partly due to the comparatively small number of seats (compared to the 40,000-60,000 mooted as necessary for the Rugby World Cup). Due to this fact, the Vector Arena was not part of the discussion surrounding Stadium New Zealand on the waterfront.

When completed it will be the biggest indoor facility in New Zealand, and one of the largest in Australasia. No firm decision has been made as to its longterm tenants but it will more than likely house the New Zealand Breakers, and Auckland Stars basketball teams and the Auckland Diamonds provincial netball side.