Auckland to host FIFA U20 World Cup 2015 Final

15 August 2013

Auckland to host FIFA U20 World Cup 2015 Final

Mayor Len Brown says Auckland is living up to its potential as a city for major events, with an announcement today that the city will host the final of the FIFA U20 World Cup 2015.

“In 2015, the focus of football fans around the world will be on New Zealand, with Auckland playing a big part,” Len Brown said. “This will be second-largest event the Auckland has ever played a role in hosting, after the Rugby World Cup, and a great opportunity to showcase our region to the world.

“The FIFA U20 event is expected to bring around $6 million into the Auckland’s economy, result in an additional 47,000 international and domestic visitor nights for Auckland, and will expose Auckland to a worldwide television audience of 170 million in more than 100 countries.”

ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) will invest $2.5 million from its Major Events Fund towards hosting of the event.

Len Brown says, Auckland’s role in FIFA U20 is evidence that the strategy to establish Auckland as a major events destination is paying dividends.

“Over the past year alone Auckland has hosted more than 30 major events, bringing an estimated $39 million into the region, a third above our target. Of equal importance are the benefits of a more exciting and festive city that events of this scale bring.”

The FIFA U20 World’s will take place in May – June 2015. North Harbour Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremony, four pool matches, a quarter and semi-final, the bronze medal playoff and the final. In total 24 countries will play 52 matches at cities around New Zealand.

Rachael Carroll, ATEED General Manager Destination and Marketing, says today’s announcement is an excellent outcome for Auckland, given the highly competitive bid process involving other New Zealand cities and the level of benefit to the host.

“Auckland’s football community will be delighted with today’s announcement, which will see an incredibly high standard of play in the crucial knock-out games, and this is a huge opportunity to showcase Auckland as a destination. ATEED will work closely with event organisers to ensure the tournament’s benefits are felt across New Zealand.”

The event is expected to employ more than 100 staff and mobilise up to 1000 volunteers. It will also involve relationships with a large number of international and domestic organisations, from national sports federations to community groups.

ENDS

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