NZ's largest indoor venue named Vector Arena

The country's largest indoor sports and entertainment venue will be called the Vector Arena after naming rights were awarded to the power lines company.

The $80 million, 12,200-seat stadium in downtown Auckland near the Britomart station was due to open in March, next year

Venue chairman Kevin Jacobsen said in a statement today the arena would attract sporting and entertainment events from around the world.

He said international artists and shows had always shown interest in coming to New Zealand but the facilities had often not been appropriate.

"That has now changed and we have incredible interest from promoters who want to bring events here," he said.

The venue's chief executive Bruce Mactaggart said the arena could accommodate a wide range of international and sporting events.

"It can stage basketball one day and a concert the next," he said.

It can be reconfigured to accommodate international sporting events including basketball, motocross, netball, equestrian, gymnastics, boxing, tennis, wrestling, ice hockey and volleyball.

The venue is a public-private venture and ownership will revert to Auckland City in 40 years.

Auckland City Council is contributing $68 million to the total cost of $80 million.

- NZPA