Redevelopment commences at ASB Tennis Arena
The Yock Stand, which has played an integral part of the tennis experience for many fans at Stanley Street, is beginning its long-awaited transformation.
As the first stage of the stadium redevelopment, the concrete Yock Stand will be pulled down and replaced with new structure and facilities, including improved seating and access for fans.
Pre-demolition work has already been completed with the removal of internal infrastructure of the stand, and the main structure will start coming down with the help of specialist machinery on Friday morning.
Tennis Auckland CEO Marcus Reynolds says that while they’re looking forward to starting on the redevelopment, it will be sad to see a slice of history go.
“The Yock Stand has been here at Stanley Street for over 50 years and has seen some of the biggest names in world tennis here on Centre Court. While there’s a lot of history in this stadium, we’re looking forward to upgrading our facilities to ensure that fans and players continue to enjoy the experience in the future”.
Erected in 1966 thanks to a generous donation from local Auckland businessman Mr Morris Yock, the stand has seen some of the biggest names in tennis take to Centre Court including Billie Jean King, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal as well as the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena.
ASB CEO Vittoria Shortt says “as naming rights sponsor of the ASB Tennis Arena since 1986 and as the major sponsor of the ASB Classic, we are thrilled to be celebrating with Tennis Auckland and all tennis fans the start of the redevelopment of the Arena. Improving the capacity and quality of the spectator experience will be welcomed by the thousands of people who enjoy attending the ASB Classic every year as one of New Zealand’s premier sporting fixtures.”
This demolition work marks the start of Stage 1A of the redevelopment of the ASB Tennis Arena, made possible with the recent confirmation in funding from Auckland Council as well as a number of other funding partners, including New Zealand Major Events, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board and Foundation North.
Once complete the upgrade of the ASB Tennis Arena will increase capacity of Centre Court to 3500, the minimum requirement set by WTA and ATP license requirements. This increase in stadium capacity, as well as improvements in public facilities at the stadium, will help secure the ASB Classic in Auckland for years to come.
The redevelopment will be managed by RCP and Savory Construction, who have been involved with the project for a number of years. Full redevelopment plans for the Arena include additional facilities upgrades with a wet weather solution remaining a key deliverable in the long-term strategy of the venue.