Auckland FC - A1 (Astor Perez Baldoni) by Astor

How new niche sports franchises can create highly engaged fans that are willing to pay more

astorpb — 2025-03-16 09:24:51 UTC

This study highlights that team identification is one of the biggest factors related to growing the franchise. It states that the social aspects are of higher importance than the sporting success of the team. Having a HOME where fans and people can feel a part of the club is a key aspect of building that team identification. Results showed that highly identified fans are more likely to attend games and willing to do so at significantly higher prices. This would positively affect Auckland FC, allowing them to generate more revenue and attract more sponsors due to that increased consumption of their events.

Growth Effects of Sports Franchises, Stadiums, and Arenas: 15 Years Later

astorpb — 2025-03-16 09:25:39 UTC

Auckland FC Presentation

astorpb — 2025-03-23 07:22:40 UTC

This presentation gives a great overview of the clubs short history. From the Auckland Consortium being Awarded the A-League License to qualifying for the Isuzu Ute

A-League Men Finals Series in the clubs inaugural season (2024/25). Auckland Fc had not only great sporting success in their debut season, but they were highly successful in terms of marketing and brand exposure. Signing superstars like Hiroki Sakai generated a lot of traction in Asia, in particular with Japanese football fans. This marketing success is shown with the record breaking crowds that Auckland Fc has managed to attract in multiple occasions (selling out vs Wellington Phoenix).

RNZ article

astorpb — 2025-03-23 09:56:35 UTC

This source shines light at Auckland Fc's current situation. Sharing most of their facilities with other sport organisations. Their front offices and training grounds are located in North Harbour Stadium and are used by both AFC and Moana Pacifica. Until recently they even had to share the gym. Their playing ground, Mt Smart is also shared with the Warriors who compete in the NRL. Until now there hasn't been a match-day clash which would have meant one of the teams would have had to find another venue. However we have seen the Warriors play a day prior which has put a lot of extra work for the staff of both teams. Having to setup the stadium for one competition (with its own sponsors and advertisements) and then take all down that same night so then the other organisation has less than 12 hours to setup everything is certainly not ideal. With AFC now qualifying for the playoff round there is uncertainty around the venue use (Warriors have games scheduled on the same days). All of this can impact performance, as things such as changing rooms or even grass may not be at the standard it should be. It can also put stress on staff which can affect the organisation negatively.

Study on performance after building new stadium

astorpb — 2025-03-23 10:23:50 UTC

This study was first published in 2003 and shows how building a new stadium for a team/franchise (in MLB) can affect team performance due to a "home field advantage". However the most significant benefit to building a new stadium was the increase in attendance. This is highly applicable to Auckland Fc, as they do not currently have their 'own' venue. Building a new stadium and increasing their attendance would, in turn, increase revenue earnings for each game and therefore be of economic benefit to the organisation.

Study on how venue affects fans

astorpb — 2025-03-23 10:38:21 UTC

This 2013 study came to the conclusion that the fans sensory match-day experience through the visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory was key to creating team identification and loyalty. "By creating

a more enjoyable sensory experience, sport teams can cultivate more stable fan base through enhanced team identity and team loyalty." Currently Auckland Fc believe their match-day experience is good, however as highlighted by other sources, building a new stadium would allow AFC to tailor everything to their needs. Instead of having a versatile stadium that can host League and Football they would be able to create something FOR AFC fans, which would improve match-day experience.

Auckland Stadium Proposal

astorpb — 2025-03-24 02:15:57 UTC

This source shows a proposed plan for a top tier high performance facility in Western Springs, Auckland. The facility would include community sports facilities, a hospitality concourse, med-tech and live entertainment facilities. This would allow them to centralise their operations and generate more team identification by having a home just for them. This would be a significant step towards establishing a home for the franchise.

About Us - AFC

astorpb — 2025-03-24 02:19:52 UTC

The main message Auckland FC is trying to push is "your new home team". This is a key idea that aims to attract Aucklanders to support this new professional local team. Team identification is a key part of the clubs campaign to get all of Auckland on board this exiting new franchise. They look to appeal to locals by involving many Aucklanders in their squad, as-well as forming partnerships with local clubs that can help foster a connection between Auckland Fc and grassroots sport.

Auckland Fc Sign five-year stadium deal

astorpb — 2025-04-01 02:40:32 UTC

In 2024, Auckland FC signed a five-year agreement to host home games at Go Media Stadium (formerly Mt Smart Stadium), which is also the long-term home of the Warriors (Rugby team). This arrangement highlights the immediate necessity for both teams to coordinate usage of the venue, emphasising the importance of strategic scheduling and resource sharing.

Warriors to stay at Mt Smart

astorpb — 2025-04-01 02:48:00 UTC

The long-term presence of the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium means Auckland FC must continually adapt to a venue primarily designed for rugby league. This is following the 10 year deal that was signed in 2016. This could impact pitch conditions, branding opportunities, and fan experience. Additionally, priority scheduling for the Warriors may limit Auckland FC’s ability to secure ideal match times, potentially affecting attendance and revenue. The challenge extends beyond logistics to fan engagement, as the club must carve out its identity in a stadium long associated with rugby league.

Is Ground Sharing a Successful Partnership?

astorpb — 2025-04-01 03:22:50 UTC

This source examines various instances where rugby and football teams share stadiums, discussing both the benefits and challenges of such arrangements. For example, it highlights the strong partnership between Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps at Adams Park, noting that while the collaboration was largely successful, issues like pitch maintenance and scheduling conflicts often came up. These insights are very relevant to Auckland FC's situation, as they navigate the complexities of sharing Mt Smart Stadium with the Warriors.