Warriors' performance puts off stadium sponsors

Auckland's Ericsson Stadium still can't find a sponsor - and even the management is blaming the New Zealand Warriors.

The team's inconsistent form last year coupled with the salary cap controversy is, according to stadium general manager Malcolm Roberts, dogging attempts to find a naming sponsor for the stadium.

A list of potential sponsors had been drawn up but Mr Roberts said none would be targeted until the Warriors, the stadium's major drawcard, started performing on the field. "Geez, it's pretty hard to sell something on the back of a losing team," he said.

" ... with the way the Warriors are playing and the salary cap scandal would you really want to put your money in?"

Mobile phone company Ericsson withdrew its sponsorship last November but the stadium, which is owned by the Auckland Regional Council, is yet to find a new backer - and $100,000 in potential earnings a year.

The ground is still known as Ericsson Stadium because at the time the sponsorship was pulled the Warriors' tickets had already been printed with the Ericsson Stadium logo. However, the name will be revoked and the ground will revert to either being called Mt Smart Stadium, or ARC Stadium after its owners.

"We're not actually pursuing sponsors now but it won't be called Ericsson for much longer. There's a perception they are getting something for nothing," Mr Roberts said.

A confidentiality clause prevented Mr Roberts from revealing how much Ericsson had paid for the rights, but sources said the asking price was between $75,000 and $100,000 a year.

ARC chairman Mike Lee said he was "most unhappy and irritated" about Ericsson's naming rights and said a decision about a new name would be made in a few weeks.

His preference was to call it Mt Smart Stadium. However, he admitted a sponsor was needed. "There's a tight financial situation because of the disappointing performances of the Warriors on and off the field," he said.

Auckland ratepayers last year spent more than $21 million revamping the eastern stand. But instead of hosting sold-out matches, the Warriors finished second last, often playing in half-full stadiums.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said working with the ARC to find a sponsor was a top priority.

The 25,000-seat ground is also a popular concert venue.