KEY POINTS:
Vector Arena's gala official opening is being pitched as a party for Aucklanders to kick up their heels - with a charity to benefit from the proceeds.
Next week's event - headlined by New Zealand-born, British-based singer Daniel Bedingfield - will raise funds for the Salvation Army, through a charity auction on the night. Among goods for sale will be the motorised trike that comedian Billy Connolly rode around the country during his 2004 TV series The Billy Connolly World Tour of New Zealand.
Vector Arena chief executive Bruce Mactaggart said the $30 ticket price was set "deliberately low" the night could be enjoyed by everyone.
"This is a people's building and we want all New Zealanders to embrace it as their own," he said. "It is a marvellous new asset not only for Auckland but for all of the country."
The 12,000-seat venue opened last month with a concert by Supernova after months of costly delays. It will host two sell-out Red Hot Chili Peppers concerts this month.
The gala next Thursday will involve more than 280 entertainers. The line-up includes Goldenhorse, Che Fu, Don McGlashan, Hollie Smith, Ray Columbus, 60s singing star Dinah Lee, crooners Sir Howard Morrison and Frankie Stevens, soul diva Aaradhna and classical songbird Yulia. Westfield Style Pasifika's Stan Wolfgramm and Australian event producer Barry Newman lead the production, which will feature fireworks.
