Latest news with #SparkArena
1News
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- 1News
Oprah Winfrey to return to NZ for first event in a decade
Oprah Winfrey is heading back to Australia and New Zealand later this year for a series of live speaking engagements in what will be her first visit to the region in a decade. The tour, titled Oprah In Conversation: Presented by Lilly, included five events across major cities in Australasia, finishing up in Auckland on December 14 at Spark Arena. "One of the things I have always enjoyed is sitting down for real, honest, enlightening conversations, and this experience is all about that,' said Winfrey. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including toddler found in suitcase on bus, Russian volcano erupts, and Liam Lawson pips former world champion. (Source: 1News) "The energy, warmth, and spirit I feel in Australia and New Zealand have stayed with me, and returning will be an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and be reinspired—together. I look forward to sharing stories, ideas, and meaningful connection about what's possible in our lives moving forward." ADVERTISEMENT Pre-sale tickets open on August 6, with general public tickets on sale from August 8.
NZ Herald
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Promoters optimistic as NZ events industry shows promising summer lineup
Brent Eccles, co-founder of Eccles Entertainment, says he's had to ask staff not to take leave over Christmas. 'A lot of the festivals, the usual suspects are booking those acts and it looks pretty attractive in terms of the line-ups ... that they have.' Layton Lillas, president of the New Zealand Promoters Association, relayed the same optimism after speaking with others in the field. 'I'm not sensing any panic or pessimism or negativity.' Eccles said the idea that New Zealand was overlooked by international tours had largely become outdated. 'We get a lot of shows coming here. A lot more than we used to. So, as far as the overall industry is concerned, I think it looks pretty good.' It's not just the superstars pulling crowds to our venues. Eccles says more international tours are coming to our shores than ever before. Photo / 123rf Smaller ones like the Powerstation and Auckland Town Hall are humming with events, giving emerging artists the space to promote themselves and grow. 'Benson Boone's a great example. We started at the Tuning Fork [three years ago], and now we're playing Spark Arena," Eccles said. The buoyant attitude follows years of instability, with the uncertainty of a global pandemic and economic stagnation hitting the events sector particularly hard. 'We're coming out of a sort of public malaise towards buying tickets and going out, and people are buying tickets ... for the things they want to go to,' Lillas said. Even with ongoing financial challenges, Lillas said audiences were still willing to spend on entertainment, as long as the experience felt worth the cost. 'If things are falling over, it's very simple that the proposition is not attractive enough for the price that people are expected to pay. 'And that's for us, as promoters, to find that sweet spot.' Layton Lillas, president of the New Zealand Promoters Association, is confident the upcoming events season will be a success. Photo / Riley Churchman A key lesson from recent years is that recycled line-ups and unimaginative programmes no longer cut it. 'There's always a place for something new and original,' Lillas said. 'But just regurgitating the same old stuff, yeah, that's not going to always work.' The success of Synthony's sold-out Full Metal Orchestra over the weekend highlighted the public's appetite for something different. 'You're giving the public something unique, something interesting, something they haven't seen before. AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd performs at Manuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra at Spark Arena on Saturday night. Photo / RadLab 'And, what do you know, they're paying to come see it.' However, the past few years have created some friction around public trust. Disruptions from global artists, such as last-minute rescheduling and cancellations, have frustrated fans who often travel across the motu and spend hundreds on flights and accommodation. Drake postponed his two Auckland concerts mere weeks before the dates, while Travis Scott moved his midweek Eden Park concert forward by 24 hours. Fans could have their tickets refunded, but many were still left out of pocket. Despite these concerns, Eccles said most shows in Aotearoa were safe bets to put your money on. 'If I was a punter out there, I would be going to venues that have a history of regular performance ... you're better to stick with the tried and true.' Promoters, too, need to be selective about who they book to avoid the responsibility of shouldering a bad deal. 'The repercussions are huge. Be prepared to walk on and go and promote someone else or ... don't invest in things that you don't have the bank balance to actually deal with,' Lillas said. But as summer inches closer, both Eccles and Lillas are confident that this season will be a breakthrough. 'There's going to be a lot of shows out there ... I feel very positive about it,' said Eccles. 'I think we're in a good place,' echoed Lillas. 'There's more than our fair share of choice of shows to attend ... Hopefully it carries on like that. Long may it continue.' Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Jason Aldean Announces Full Throttle World Tour, Extends Current Tour Into New Zealand And Australia
The ACM Artist of the Decade Adds Worldwide Dates In 2026, Marking His Return To Australia and First Time Headlining In New Zealand; Tickets Available Starting Wednesday, July 2 with Artist Presale ACM Artist of the Decade and 3X Entertainer of the Year, Country powerhouse Jason Aldean officially announced the international extension of his FULL THROTTLE Tour today, adding dates in New Zealand and Australia starting in 2026. The FULL THROTTLE WORLD TOUR marks Aldean's first time headlining New Zealand and his first return to Australia since headlining in 2016 - where he became the first headliner to ever sellout CMC Rocks QLD Country Music. Aldean's 2026 international run is set to kick off Thursday, February 19th at Spark Arena in Auckland, before heading to Australia for six additional headlining dates including Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Aldean will also headline the inaugural country music experience, Sunburnt Country, with headlining shows scheduled for Toowoomba, Hunter Valley, and Canberra. Corey Kent and Brad Cox join as 2026 Full Throttle Tour openers – Corey Kent across all shows and Brad Cox joining the Sunburnt Country dates. Aldean has solidified his 'Country superstar status' (Variety) having garnered 30 No. 1 career hits at Country radio, nearly 20 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold with 'his own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success' (Atlanta Journal Constitution). His history-making, prolific career has included nearly two decades of chart-topping hits, including 'Dirt Road Anthem,' 'Don't You Wanna Stay,' 'Fly Over States,' 'She's Country,' 'Big Green Tractor,' 'Amarillo Sky' and most recently, his 30th career #1 at Country radio, 'Whiskey Drink.' Produced by Live Nation, Aldean's FULL THROTTLE TOUR is set to resume July 17th in Tulsa, OK after launching earlier this year (May 2025). Previously announced dates across the US include Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, Denver's Ball Arena, Grand Rapid's Van Andel Arena, Charleston's Credit One Stadium, West Palm Beach, FL's iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, and more. Tickets for the FULL THROTTLE WORLD TOUR (New Zealand and Australia dates) are available starting with Artist presale tickets Wednesday, July 2nd at 12pm. Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney starting Wednesday, July 2 at 12pm through Friday, July 4 at 12pm (local) as well as preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets available starting Monday, July 7 at 1pm. Check out for details. One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets in Auckland during a 48-hour presale starting Wednesday, July 2 at 12pm at My Live Nation members may secure tickets in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney during the presale beginning Friday, July 4 at 1pm until Monday, July 7 at 12pm. Face To Face touring members may secure tickets in Toowoomba, Hunter Valley and Canberra during the presale beginning Friday, July 4 at 1pm until Monday, July 7 at 12pm. General public tickets for all shows on sale Monday, July 7 at 1pm. All times are local. For complete tour and ticket information, including VIP packages, visit and To see a full list of international and domestic tour dates visit for more information. FULL THROTTLE TOUR 2025 DATES: Thu Jul 17 — Tulsa, OK — BOK Center Fri Jul 18 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP Sat Jul 19 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Thu Jul 24 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater Fri Jul 25 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena Sat Jul 26 — Salt Lake City, UT — Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre Thu Aug 07 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena Fri Aug 08 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center Sat Aug 09 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake Thu Aug 14 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion Fri Aug 15 — Houston, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman Sat Aug 16 — Austin, TX — Moody Center Thu Aug 21 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park Fri Aug 22 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion Sat Aug 23 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Thu Sep 04 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena Fri Sep 05 — Green Bay, WI — Resch Center Thu Sep 11 — Detroit, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre Sat Sep 13 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Thu Sep 18 — Lincoln, NE — Pinnacle Bank Arena Fri Sep 19 — Des Moines, IA — Wells Fargo Arena Sat Sep 20 — Sioux Falls, SD — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Thu Sep 25 — Lafayette, LA — CAJUNDOME Fri Sep 26 — Birmingham, AL — Coca-Cola Amphitheater Sat Sep 27 — Charleston, SC — Credit One Stadium Fri Oct 03 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Sat Oct 04 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre JUST ADDED-FULL THROTTLE 2026 Dates – New Zealand and Australia: Thu Feb 19 — Auckland, NZ— Spark Arena *Sat Feb 21—Toowoomba, AU — Sunburnt Country Sun Feb 22 — Brisbane, AU— Brisbane Entertainment Centre Wed Feb 25— Melbourne, AU — Rod Laver Arena Thu Feb 26— Sydney, AU — Qudos Bank Arena *Sat Feb 28— Hunter Valley, AU — Sunburnt Country *Sun Mar 1— Canberra, AU — Sunburnt Country TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY JULY 7, 1PM - All times are local Mastercard presale: Wednesday July 2, 12pm – Friday July 4, 12pm One NZ presale: Wednesday July 2, at 12pm - Friday July 4, 12pm Live Nation presale: Friday July 4, 1pm - Monday July 7, 12pm. For complete tour and ticket information, including VIP packages, visit: and SUNBURNT COUNTRY: Sat Feb 21 – Queens Park, Toowoomba Sat Feb 28 – Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Sun Mar 1 – Stage 88, Canberra Face To Face Touring presale: Friday July 4, 1pm - Monday July 7, 12pm. For more information please visit About Jason Aldean: ACM Artist of the Decade and 3X ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean has garnered 30 No. 1 career hits, over 18 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold with 'his own recipe…one that has vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success' (Atlanta Journal Constitution). His history-making and prolific career has included nearly two decades of chart-topping hits, including 'Dirt Road Anthem,' 'Don't You Wanna Stay,' 'Fly Over States,' 'She's Country,' 'Big Green Tractor,' 'Amarillo Sky' and more. The Grammy-nominated hit-maker earned the most Top 10 songs on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart-more than any other artist- since his debut in 2005, with 'songs of small-town living, love and loss that have resonated with a loyal fanbase' (Billboard). With the 2023 release of his 11th studio album, HIGHWAY DESPERADO, and his sold-out nationwide Highway Desperado Arena Tour, Aldean continued his 'country superstar status" (Variety). The album earned the Georgia native his first career Hot 100 chart-topping hit with 'Try That In A Small Town'- which earned Billboard Award nominations (2023) for 'Top Song Sales Artist' and 'Top Selling Song'- as well as the fan-favorite track 'Let Your Boys Be Country' and current single, 'Whiskey Drink.' Produced by longtime producer Michael Knox, Highway Desperado followed Aldean's double album, MACON, GEORGIA, which earned the singer/songwriter praise for honing 'in on his vision for this era of his career' and kicking off 'his career's next era' (The Tennessean). The project's featured the history-making, multi-week No. 1 Grammy-nominated "powerful duet" (Rolling Stone) 'If I Didn't Love You' with Carrie Underwood, which won ACM Single of the Year, iHeartRadio Country Song of the Year, and CMT Collaborative Video of the Year as well as Billboard and GRAMMY nominations. Currently in the studio working on new music, Aldean most recently graced the cover of Hook & Barrel Magazine's January 2025 Cover, where he spoke about his career to date and new music and what is on the horizon in 2025. For more information, visit About Corey Kent: 'Poised to be country's latest red dirt star' (Rolling Stone), Corey Kent, a proud husband and father, has become a decorated artist on the rise, growing from humble heartland roots into a Triple-Platinum certified No. 1 hit maker with one billion career streams. Rising from the vibrant Red Dirt country scene as the embodiment of authenticity, Kent set his sights on Nashville as a teen, bringing his self-penned catalog of country-rock anthems with him. But after the pandemic coincided with the loss of his first publishing deal, Kent was forced to move to Texas and get a job on a paving crew to pay the bills, yet he stubbornly refused to call music quits, with honky-tonks and dancehalls on both sides of the Red River becoming his stomping ground. Fast forward a few years and the hit single 'Wild As Her' proved he was right all along. An untamed tribute to a free-spirited stunner, the track re-invigorated Kent's career as a now Triple-Platinum-certified No. 1 at country radio, and the lead single off his major label album debut, Blacktop. Despite never cracking country radio's Top 40, Kent's trust-your-gut second single 'Something's Gonna Kill Me' went Gold, proving his message was connecting. And momentum kept building, with Kent hitting the road alongside Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum and more. Next-big-thing accolades came in from CMT, Opry Next Stage and more, but even as Kent became the most played new artist on country radio for all of 2023, he kept the underdog, who-cares-about-conventional-wisdom mentality. And so did his fans. For Kent, the point was that his fans have the same independent spirit he does, and he took that lesson into his next chapter. Settled into his ranch in Texas and intent on being fully present with his family while also achieving his dreams, Kent most recently released his sophomore major-label album, Black Bandana, to critical acclaim, with MusicRow Magazine describing the title track as 'gently but unrelentingly uplifting.' Often seen with a black bandana around his neck, Black Bandana holds great meaning for Kent - it's his rally cry. This album is about finding balance, keeping clear eyes on what's important – and waving that Black Bandana for all to see. For the latest news and information about Corey Kent, visit
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Central Cee lifts the lid off Spark Arena in Auckland as rapper kicks off Down Under leg of world tour
British rap phenomenon Central Cee has officially kicked off the final leg of his mammoth three month world tour Down Under. Kicking things off in Auckland on Friday night, the tracksuit-clad star had thousands of attendees shaking off their winter blues and belting out every word to his TikTok viral lyrics. Fresh off the back of his highly anticipated debut album Can't Rush Greatness, the London-born hitmaker is concluding his most ambitious run of arena shows yet. After scoring a cracking #91 spot in the Hottest 100 of 2024 with his undeniable banger 'BAND4BAND' alongside Lil Baby, there is no doubt these shows are going to be nothing short of insane. ' New Zealand what the hell,' the rapper captioned a fan-made video of the crowds at Spark Arena creating a sea of phone lights to 'Now We're Strangers.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Fresh off the back of his highly anticipated debut album Can't Rush Greatness , the London-born hitmaker is embarking on his most ambitious run of arena shows yet Earlier in the day, Cee went incognito at an Auckland café, where he stepped out with a black bucket hat pulled down over his head. He posted a short clip with a location tag to his Instagram Stories, as he leaned down to pat the dog of an unsuspecting customer who paid him no mind. Cee took to the stage wearing a Pounamu, also known as New Zealand jade or greenstone, in a small gesture of appreciation to Māori customs (Tikanga). The rapper, real name Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, will make his grand entrance on Australian soil on Sunday at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. He will then travel to Sydney for another one-night-only concert at Quodos Bank Arena on Wednesday June 25, followed by Melbourne on June 28, before wrapping up in Perth on July 2. The 25-year-old caused chaos and confusion in the Harbour City during his last visit in January, when a surprise visit to Oxford Street saw thousands of fans swarm the area. The London-born artist visited the suburb of Paddington to promote his streetwear clothing label Syna World. However, pandemonium filled the streets as a throng of fans lined up from 4am around the block hoping to see him in the flesh. Kicking things off in Auckland on Friday night, the tracksuit-clad star had thousands of attendees shaking off their winter blues and belting out every word to his TikTok viral lyrics Crowds at the Central Cee concert at Spark Arena in Auckland on Friday He rose to fame in 2021 with his hit single Obsessed With You and in 2023 he scored his first number one in Australia with his song Sprinter In the afternoon, they were finally rewarded when Cee arrived in his limo and was escorted into a store by his security team. Cee looked to be in good spirits as he waved to his adoring fans, who were heard loudly chanting his name and fighting to catch sight of the adored rapper. Fortunately, Cee was thrilled to oblige and looked every inch the rap star in stylish branded streetwear as he posed for photos and entertained the crowd. The rapper had the roaring crowd in the palm of his hands as many forked out hundreds of dollars to purchase one of his streetwear hoodies and jackets. His brief appearance thrilled his legion of supporters and left them screaming for more. Cee waved to them goodbye as he was driven away by his entourage. He rose to fame in 2021 with his hit single Obsessed With You and in 2023 he scored his first number one in Australia with his song Sprinter. His unique hip hop style has seen him work with a host of other popular artists, including Australian rapper The Kid Laroi and South Korean star Jungkook.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
‘Blue Electric Light Tour 2025' Comes To Spark Arena
(16 June 2025) – Today, 4-time GRAMMY® Award-winning writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and all around multi-hyphenate icon, Lenny Kravitz announces his first ever tour to Aotearoa New Zealand as part of his globally praised Blue Electric Light Tour presented by TEG Live. On Saturday 15 November, Kravitz and his band will make their highly anticipated debut in New Zealand for one night only at Spark Arena. Tickets for the Aotearoa leg of the Blue Electric Light Tour 2025 will be available on pre-sale via the Artist on Tuesday 17 June, 9am – Thursday 19 June, 9am (local time) and TEG Live and Ticketmaster on Thursday 19 June, 10am – Friday 20 June at 9am (local time). General public tickets will be available on Friday, 20 June at 10am (local time) from ' We're thrilled to welcome Lenny Kravitz and his band to New Zealand for the first time! This dynamic live show is not to be missed. Lenny will perform all the hits, along with fan favourites from Blue Electric Light. The energy, vocal power, and stage presence of Kravitz and his exhilarating band are truly outstanding.' TEG LIVE The Blue Electric Light Tour 2025 continues what Billboard calls the 'Lennaissance,' a period of worldwide success for Kravitz, who released his critically-acclaimed 12th studio album Blue Electric Light last year. The Associated Press described the project as ' glorious… the rocker's best stuff in years,' while NPR called it a ' kaleidoscope of soaring rock, psychedelic funk, gentle soul and more.' Also, Kravitz was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 'Music Icon Award' at the 2024 People's Choice Awards, the 'Best Rock Award' at the 2024 Video Music Awards and the CFDA's 'Fashion Icon Award.' Kravitz recently took Europe by storm on his Blue Electric Light Tour. ABOUT LENNY KRAVITZ Regarded as one of the preeminent rock musicians of our time, Lenny Kravitz has transcended genre, style, race, and class over the course of a three decade-plus musical career. Revelling in the soul, rock, and funk influences of the sixties and seventies, the writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has won four GRAMMY® Awards. In 2023, Kravitz debuted the anthemic 'Road To Freedom,' a song he wrote, performed, and produced specifically for the much-buzzed-about Netflix film, Rustin. The track, which can be heard HERE, plays over the film's end title credits. In conjunction with the release of the song, Kravitz secured a Golden Globe nomination for 'Best Original Song – Motion Picture', a Critics Choice Award nomination for 'Best Song,' and the Guild of Music Supervisors Award nomination for 'Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film' for the soul-stirring anthem. In addition to his twelve albums, which have sold 40 million worldwide, his creative firm Kravitz Design Inc. touts an impressive portfolio of noteworthy ventures, including hotel properties, condominium projects, private residences, and high-end legendary brands like Rolex, Leica and Dom Perignon. In 2022, he launched his own ultra-premium spirits brand, Nocheluna Sotol—a distillate from Chihuahua, Mexico derived from the sotol plant. Kravitz is the author of Flash, a book which showcases unique rock photography. His recent memoir, Let Love Rule, also landed him on The New York Times' Best Sellers List. Kravitz currently serves as the brand ambassador and global face for YSL Beauty's Y cologne and is the global ambassador for luxury watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre. This multidimensional artist has also segued into film, appearing as Cinna in the box-office hits, The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, as well as in the critically acclaimed films Precious and The Butler.
