Jim Doyle, Warriors CEO, believes a better solution can be explored. Photo / Greg Bowker
Jim Doyle, Warriors CEO, believes a better solution can be explored. Photo / Greg Bowker
Councillors in for dogfight as vote looms to oust team from Mt Smart.
The Warriors are on the warpath, launching a last-minute bid to stop the Auckland Council forcing it from Mt Smart Stadium, its home for the last 20 years.
The council is just days away from a controversial vote that will seal the team's fate - making it move to QBE Stadium at Albany. But the Warriors say they won't cross the bridge, and instead will take many home games to places like Hamilton and Rotorua.
The Herald on Sunday understands the councillors will vote in favour of the $30 million stadium shakeup proposed by Regional Facilities Auckland as part of the council's 10-year budget process meeting that starts May 6.
But the Warriors are not giving up, lobbying councillors and asking for time to explore other options. They are considering a legal challenge, and will meet RFA bosses this week.
The Warriors' number one fan Sir Peter Leitch last night called for fans to rally against the move.
"It's time the rugby league people stood up and let the council know how they feel," he said. "I love Mt Smart. No one in Auckland would like the idea of home games being played outside the city."
The RFA plan, described by councillor John Watson as "an act of sporting vandalism", will see a major shakeup of the city's stadiums:
• Mt Smart Stadium will become a speedway venue. It is believed up to 10,000 seats will be ripped out.
• Western Springs will be turned into a "boutique" cricket arena, although it will be used for only one test a year. All other internationals will remain at Eden Park and Auckland Cricket's domestic programme will also stay there. It has also been touted as an AFL and baseball venue.
• QBE Stadium will be significantly upgraded, including a state-of-the-art roof for the North Harbour venue.
• The Warriors will be based at QBE Stadium, with some major matches at Eden Park.
• The future of athletics at Mt Smart is uncertain. It is believed to be incompatible with speedway's operations during the summer months.
• Eden Park will remain the home of Auckland Rugby and Cricket.
Doyle says the club 'definitely won't relocate' to the North Shore. Photo / Getty Images
The conversion of Mt Smart into a speedway track might also affect its viability as a large-scale concert venue, as seating capacity will be significantly reduced to accommodate the race track.
Despite some strong views on the issue the majority of the council are in favour of the plan. The Herald on Sunday understands 12 of the 21-strong council will back the strategy - eight are said to be against with the vote of one unknown.
"This plan is official, it's reality, but we won't give up," said Warriors chief executive Jim Doyle. "We are talking directly with all the councillors because we think there is a better solution. Have the RFA explored all the possible options?
"There is no logical sense in kicking the Warriors out when we have the greatest economic impact of any sports team in the city but the message we are being told indirectly is that Auckland doesn't care about rugby league."
Doyle says the club "definitely won't relocate" to the North Shore. Chair Bill Wavish earlier said fans would not follow over the bridge.
"Our fans won't go there [Albany], it's as simple as that. Some of it is physical, the traffic is difficult, it's a long way.
"But some of it is mental, just crossing the harbour bridge is like going overseas."
New RFA chief executive Chris Brooks, who has been in the position for four weeks after the resignation of Robert Domm, was reluctant to comment until he meets the Warriors and speedway in the coming week.
"There may be opposition and the RFA and its board will take that into account," he said. "But there is always a way forward."
What you can do
Do you think the Warriors should stay at Mt Smart Stadium? Here's how you can show your support:
• Auckland Mayor Len Brown has been a supporter of the new stadium shuffle. Email him your thoughts at len.brown@auckland council.govt.nz. You can find phone numbers and email addresses for all of the councillors at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
• Tell us your views at news@hos.co.nz and we'll pass them on to the Council and publish the best ones next week.
