Auckland Council has opened the floor for proposals to build a national stadium in the city, inviting suppliers to submit their ideas before the end of the month.

One prominent contender for this prestigious project is "Eden Park 2.0," which aims to redefine the stadium experience.

This proposed national stadium promises to be a world-class, multi-purpose, hybrid venue.

Eden Park 2.0 envisions itself as a hub for sporting excellence, a state-of-the-art entertainment centre, and a global destination for fans.

The ambitious project involves the transformation of Eden Park into a 60,000-capacity sports and entertainment precinct.

The core principles behind this redevelopment are modernisation, sustainability, connectivity, and accessibility, ensuring that Eden Park 2.0 remains a global icon and a lasting legacy.

Notably, Eden Park 2.0 places a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, aiming to showcase not only the best in sporting and entertainment events but also environmentally conscious practices.

Key features of the proposal include a new North Stand, upgrades to the East and West stands, improved entry promenades, a pedestrian bridge over Sandringham Road, an all-weather retractable roof, versatile field layouts to accommodate various sports, new function and entertainment spaces, enhanced connectivity, and innovative technologies.

Former Auckland Mayor Phil Goff explored the idea of a downtown stadium back in 2018.

His efforts even included a $1 million pre-feasibility report that identified potential locations, with the Quay Park railway land, owned by Ngati Whatua Ōrākei, being a frontrunner.

The call for proposals signals Auckland Council's commitment to enhancing the city's sporting and entertainment infrastructure, and Eden Park 2.0 emerges as a frontrunner in this exciting endeavour.