Western Springs Stadium is a pivotal point of Auckland's history. Before Vector arena was built,…read morebasically all the big concerts New Zealand had were held at Western Springs. I still remember being about 10 years old and sitting on my back deck in Mt Eden listening to Robbie Williams belt his latest tunes. While it's a bit depressing to think about Robbie now, this was one of the huge bonuses about concerts being held at Springs - all the locals could hear the music for free! Though now most of the big acts go straight to Vector arena, every now and again some still play in the amazingly huge outdoor stadium at Western Springs. In 2011 I was lucky enough to attend the Foo Fighters concert at Western Springs, and it was PHENOMENAL. The sound was amazing, and despite being way up the back of the stadium, you still felt you were part of the action and could see everything. It was my first outdoor concert and so far it's my favourite concert yet - and it's down to, in large part, the stadium itself. If you ever get the chance to go to a concert at Springs, make it a priority and get your ass there - you won't regret it. Tip: Western Springs Stadium is also a Speedway so if you're in to car racing, this is the place for you.

I have been coming here since 1986 and have always been impressed with this natural venue. And…read morerecently they have upgraded the seating along the back and have done a wonderful job. Great venue!

Vector Arena is a fabulous central location to come watch the newest shows, concerts and events to…read morehit Auckland city. Fun for the entire family you can be sure that something will be viewing to satisfy everyone's taste. Parking in the area does become tricky when there is a big event on, however it is closely positioned to Birtomart, making training in or busing in very convenient. They also have kiosks selling merchandise, food, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and ATM machines available to get cash out. To see what shows are next performing at Vector, hop onto their website and check out the upcoming events. There will certainly be something to tickle everyone's fancy.

I think Vector Arena is great, and it is the large venue that Auckland has desperately needed for a…read morevery long time. I have been to a couple of rock gigs here (Stone Temple Pilots, Roger Waters) and I must say that these were some of the best concerts I've been to. For STP we were standing, and for Roger Waters we were seated right at the back in the nosebleed seats, but it didn't matter at all; the sound was amazing and we could see the whole show well. I don't know what the acoustics are like in some of the other seats around the stadium, but perhaps the sound and visual experience depends more on the act that you are seeing and if they can deliver a great show. Vector is not only for concerts either; the arena hosts a whole range of different shows and sporting events. I saw the crusty demons here a few years back and that was very entertaining.

I have been to Trust Stadium a couple of times to watch the LG Mystics play their home netball…read moregames. Located out in west Auckland, there are also other events held here. The venue can also be hired out for trade shows and expos, concerts and other sporting events. If you're after a location to host an event go on to the Trust Stadium website and they have a link that takes you through the process of applying. Here they have plenty of onsite parking (2000 plus car parks) and already established kiosks to buy food and snack before the event or at intermission. To see what events are up and coming at Trust Stadium, hop on to their website and check it out. Tickets can be purchased online via their website.

Oh god where to begin. I don't doubt this place is great for netball but it SUCKS badly as a music…read morevenue. I've had to come here twice; the first time was the all round disappointment that was The Cult but that was only a taster of how shit things could really get. The Cult had general admission standing room and allocated seating up the sides. Except when you got there it was actually a free for all so you got whatever seat you could find. Then most recently I saw Blondie here who blew my mind and restored my faith that you can indeed be painfully achingly cool even 35 years on from your heydey. And for the haters who didn't enjoy it; heard of irony? For this gig the whole thing was seated and what this meant was cheap plastic chairs with numbers sellotaped on them (I kid you not) lined up in "rows" that people just moved out of the way. There was standing in the aisles, even some obnoxious child smoking and barely any security to speak of. Even without the smoking it would have been a fire hazard. OSH anyone? The queue for the bar was ridiculous and the whole set-up was a frickin debacle that should never be repeated. It gets better. I received an email from Trusts Stadium the following week requesting feedback that included a shitload of questions on everything from the food to the toilets. I attacked it with fervent vigour, happy that I would get to tell them everything they were doing wrong. Ten minutes later I clicked on Submit..... and nothing. I don't know if it timed out, I don't know if it went through and I've heard nothing from them since. Please please please music promoters stop using this place for concerts!

The lights are blinding! Literally they are pointed right at you on both sides of the field I don't…read moreknow how anybody can stand sitting there for long. The lights need to be up higher and come down so that they aren't in your eyes. Nice food service options.

It's not bad. It would be nice if each area that served food had some sort of symbol that showed…read morewhat kind of food they served. They don't have workers checking tickets at each section. So there were a whole lot of people just walking down and sitting in the lower seats they didn't pay for. That got a little annoying. Otherwise, the venue is fine.

Well at least it's not called Ericsson Stadium anymore. Of course now it's "home of The Warriors"…read more I don't really care too much for sport but have been here many times over the years for concerts, including of course the now sadly defunct Big Day Out. We loved to hate The Supertop so now we miss those sweaty times in The Boiler Room, never to be had again. My brother actually used to work here as the groundsman so had his 21st birthday party in the function rooms. Fun times. I came here during high school for Athletics Days. Less fun times. Still, Mt Smart Stadium is one of those places in Auckland that just ARE - and despite its generic nothing special-ness, it's a part of our city and we are fond of it. Well I am anyway.

We were at the Foo fighters last last night. First off could not get a drink and we were there 40…read moreminutes before hand. Four tills to serve a whole stand is unbelievable. The sound was terrible also and out of sync could not make out what Grohl was saying half the time. I would recommend not going to a concert here ever!. Because I live near the stadium I will try to see the warriors I hope that experience is better.

Came here for the Chinese New Year event. The parking here is terrible, we had such a hard time…read morefinding a parking spot. So be warned when coming here for a very big event come early to get a spot! There was so many delicious foods and drinks around the venue. However no food or drink was allowed inside the arena. This was very disappointing. Otherwise enjoyed the event but parking was a hassle.

The Trusts Stadium is a great place to go to as there is always so much going on there. Netball…read moregames, business dinners, a cafe that sells freshly made sandwiches and of course the gym. The Trusts Stadium is perfect as it has a track great for those training for marathons or just out to run for some general fitness. I love walking to the trusts just to see what's going on especially the run and walk series, great fun for the family. After a run just head in through gate B to the cafe for some goodies, I mean after a run one can eat hot chips without feeling too guilty. After all you need some food after exercise, right!

To be fair, North Shore Events Centre is a little bit of a diamond in the rough. Conveniently…read morelocated in Wairau Valley, Glenfield, it is home to events of all kinds and of varying degrees of prominence. Community-based sports programmes are held here throughout the year mainly focusing on basketball and netball but ranging as wide as martial arts and badminton. It has the capacity for corporate events and conferences and has even been known to throw down the odd concert or two. I saw Faith No More and The Beastie Boys here a really really long time ago! It had been years since I had been there until the middle of last Australian Basketball season when I really started following the Breakers - NSEC is their home ground. I have to say the relatively small confines of the arena and the 3000 odd maximum capacity means that when the team is playing well the place is electric! Yeah it needs a bit of a spruce up and could do with some better promotion to attract more events, but when you break it all down the place has character and an energy that comes alive when being used to its full advantage. Hopefully there is an action plan to take the arena into the future as it certainly holds a place in the hearts of many North Shore locals.

The city of Auckland is filled with good event destinations, from Vector Arena to the Bruce Mason,…read moreASB Show grounds to the Logan Campbell Centre. All these places provide event organisers a plethora of choice from which to stage their events. And it is this wealth of choice that is prohibiting the North Shore Events Center from reaching its true potential. Every time I've attended a sporting event or trade show, I've wondered why it is not utilized more, and why promoters seem to ignore it as a viable host. Sure it is small, but it is this usable size that gives it its charm, and the location is convenient for residents of the Shore, and those coming over the bridge. Maybe the council needs to spend some money on an upgrade, and get a professional marketing team to promote it to local businesses. If any councilors are reading this, I am qualified and available for the job, hope to hear from you soon.

This is a great little venue. I attended a P.O.D/ Rapture Ruckus affair here, and it was perfect…read morefor either moshing or sitting punters. The gallery is far above everyone, so you can see the stage without fighting the crowds of circle pit ravers. Or, if you are a circle pit raver, you have plenty of room to swing around in! It's dark and mystical in there, like you've found yourself a little cave filled with screaming, singing people. Great for any rock concerts, or a very small scale version of Phantom of the Opera. (you wouldn't want to try and fit the Andrew Lloyd Webber band in here!) My downside was what a rip off the parking was. Logan Campbell is located at the ASB Showgrounds, and they charge $8 (cash - no hopers for eftpos) for the evening with no security promises. I'd expect that from the city, but for Greenlane, it's super steep.

My number one band at the moment is the American trio Fun, a quirky group, led by the enigmatic…read moreNate Ruess. Their songs speak to me, and I love the motivational factor in the lyrics, it is a good mix between the emotional and inspirational. So I was a bit surprised that they chose the Logan Campbell Centre as the venue for their first visit to New Zealand; I've only ever attended for trade shows, so I didn't expect much from the LCC. Now I'm the biggest fan of this small venue, it is perfect for any band that is not loud. How I would have loved to see Mumford and Sons here instead of Vector. Was that a waste? What I liked about the venue was that no matter where you were standing or sitting, you were in front of the stage, and close to the action. Parking was ample and little or no queues. Instead of going for the big bucks, more bands should play venues like this. It brings the music back to the fans.