Stadium set for mid-year inauguration

The country's largest indoor entertainment and sporting venue is set to open its doors around the middle of the year.

The much-delayed $80 million, 12,200-seat Vector Arena in downtown Auckland is expected to spell an end to top entertainers giving Auckland a wide berth.

Coldplay, the biggest selling band behind U2, cancelled their only New Zealand concert this year after the venue could not be completed in time, and rock star David Bowie bypassed Auckland last year in favour of Wellington.

"It will fill quite a large gap in the market and attract things to New Zealand that I think perhaps wouldn't have come here otherwise," said Penny Sefuiva, chairwoman of Auckland City Council's arts, culture and recreation committee.

The centre is also expected to pack in the crowds for sporting events. It has been designed to be able to be reconfigured to accommodate codes from netball and ice hockey to motocross and equestrian. It can also host conventions and trade shows.

"It will enhance other venues, rather than directly competing. It has quite a specific market but it also adds to the variety and the entertainment opportunities in the city," said Mrs Sefuiva.

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

The council has stumped up $68 million of its total cost.

A consortium, Quay Park Arena Management, led by Sydney-based Jacobsen Venue Management, has put in the remainder, and will develop, own and operate the arena.

Energy giant Vector has a 10-year-naming rights deal, believed to be worth in the millions.

The arena has not been without its critics.

Last year, the Institute of Architects' urban issues group said the centre was hidden behind a "wall of mediocre" buildings and should have had the space and views around it to signify its importance - views echoed by some local body politicians.