Events at Bay Venues, Mount Maunganui

About Bay Venues

Bay Venues is Tauranga City Council’s dedicated event and leisure organisation, overseeing 24 community facilities in the Tauranga Moana region (www.baystation.co.nz) (www.bayvenues.co.nz). Established in 2013, this council-owned organisation (CCO) manages aquatic centres, community halls, gyms and event spaces. Its largest facility is Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui, a multi-purpose event campus managed by Bay Venues (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Mercury Baypark opened in 2001 (wiki2.org) and today offers about 13,000 square metres of indoor event space alongside an outdoor stadium seating up to 17,000 people (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Signature features include two large indoor arenas (the TECT Auditorium and the Lion Foundation Centre), expansive covered exhibition halls and sports courts, all under a modern design with a sweeping foyer and an on-site café (www.bayvenues.co.nz). Mercury Baypark also has onsite catering, audiovisual production services and room for 5,000 vehicles in free parking (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). In short, Bay Venues provides the Bay of Plenty’s premier multi-use venue complex while drawing on a legacy of past names (formerly TECT Stadium, ASB Baypark, Trustpower Baypark, etc.） (wiki2.org).

Events and Programming

Mercury Baypark is a year-round entertainment hub. The versatile indoor arena stages concerts, comedy nights, trade shows and community events, while the outdoor stadium hosts motorsports and large festivals. Past headline acts include international touring artists (Bryan Adams, The Beach Boys, 10cc) and local stars (Sol3 Mio, Savage) (wiki2.org). Big-ticket annual festivals like Bay Dreams (a New Year’s music festival) and school events (such as the Zespri AIMS Games, Australasia’s largest junior sports tournament (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz)) call Baypark home. The venue also hosts expos and expos – for example, Tauranga’s Spring Home Show, food and bridal expos have filled the halls (wiki2.org). Motorsport is a special category here: Mercury Stadium is famous as the home of Baypark Speedway, running summer stock-car, jet sprint and drift races (www.bayvenues.co.nz). High-energy family and sports shows regularly pack the stands. In short, concerts indoors and speedway outdoors are Bay Venues’ trademark events, together with community fairs, corporate conferences and even school ball dances. Notably, Bay Venues’ recent upgrade partnerships (e.g. with Ticketek) now allow acts the capacity to stage bigger indoor concerts (around 6,000 people in the main hall (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz)), meaning Tauranga’s fifth-biggest city can keep top-tier entertainment local (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Every season, Mercury Baypark’s calendar is full: from rock, pop and comedy tours to trade exhibitions, sports matches and racing events, giving locals “wonderful entertainment experiences without having to travel out of town” (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz).

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for events at Bay Venues’ Mercury Baypark complex are usually sold online through the venue’s official ticketing partner (recently Ticketek (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz)), or via authorised outlets linked from the venue’s website (www.ticketfairy.com). For high-demand shows (especially big name concerts or festivals), tickets often go on sale months in advance and may sell out quickly (www.ticketfairy.com). Presale or fanclub options are sometimes available, so it helps to sign up for alerts. Bay Venues also usually operates an on-site box office at Baypark: this will open a few hours before showtime on event days (www.ticketfairy.com). Locals can purchase same-day tickets there if the event isn’t sold out, but for popular gigs it’s wise to book ahead rather than rely on door sales (www.ticketfairy.com). Ticket prices depend on the event: community sports or expos may be free or just a modest fee, while larger concerts often range from roughly NZ$50 for general admission up to NZ$150+ for premium or multi-day passes (www.ticketfairy.com). Cheaper standing-room (GA) tickets and more expensive seated or VIP packages are common – for example concerts often offer pit-floor general admission versus reserved grandstand seating. Once you buy tickets, digital e-tickets or print-at-home options are typically accepted at the venue. Overall, book early for the best availability, check the official Bay Venues/Baypark site or newsletters for sale dates, and only buy tickets through the venue’s authorised channels (www.ticketfairy.com).

Seating and Layout

Mercury Baypark’s layout is highly configurable. The indoor part (Mercury Arena) consists of two large halls – the 4,500m² TECT Auditorium and the 2,349m² Lion Foundation Centre (wiki2.org) – connected by a broad foyer. Events can use one hall or the entire arena. Each arena hall has a flexible floor (often left as flat standing room for concerts or fitted with temporary seating for sports) plus tiered grandstand seating on the sides. In fact, all nine indoor courts in the arena have sprung wooden floors and spectator grandstands to suit different audience sizes (www.bayvenues.co.nz). (If you’re attending a concert, the front floor area can get very lively – arriving early can score a barricade position by the stage – whereas the lower rows of the side stands offer a clear, elevated view of the stage (www.ticketfairy.com).) For any event, there are professional light and sound systems built in, with large video screens in each hall and two big projection screens in the auditorium (www.bayvenues.co.nz) (www.bayvenues.co.nz). The outdoor Mercury Stadium is a separate oval track surrounded by concrete grandstands on two sides. It seats over 17,000 spectators, with more than 90% of those seats under cover (www.bayvenues.co.nz). The stadium also features multiple corporate boxes and lounges (seating from 40 up to 1,000 each (www.bayvenues.co.nz) (www.bayvenues.co.nz)) for VIPs. In general, any covered stands offer weather protection (good in rain), and end-of-track seats are closer to the dirt action. Special viewing areas do include raised VIP hospitality lounges (like the Premium and Corporate lounges) that overlook either the arena floor or the racetrack with premium service. In short, whether you have GA, reserved seating or VIP tickets, Baypark provides varied sightlines: from up-close floor spots to elevated grandstands and corporate suites all designed for panoramic views of the stage or track.

Getting There and Parking

Mercury Baypark is located at 81 Truman Lane, off State Highway 2 at the Mt. Maunganui end of Tauranga. It sits at the Te Maunga (Waimapu) junction where SH2 meets SH29, just a few minutes’ drive from Tauranga Airport (wiki2.org). There is ample free parking onsite – in total Baypark provides parking for around 5,000 vehicles (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Vehicles can enter using the numbered entrances off Baypark Boulevard/Truman Lane. On busy event days, traffic marshals guide cars to appropriate lots. Rideshare and taxi drop-off zones are also on Baypark Boulevard near the main Arena entrance. Public transit is limited: Bay Venues notes that there is no dedicated bus route directly to Baypark (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). The nearest public bus stops are a short walk away at Bayfair Shopping Centre, which is about 400m west of the venue (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). (Baybus schedules can be checked via the regional transport website, and on event days extra shuttles may run to Bayfair.) In practice, most visitors drive or carpool. Once parked, all parts of Baypark are easily reached on foot. The indoor Arena and outdoor Stadium are adjacent within the complex; for example, a strol through the airy main foyer connects to both auditoriums. Overall, plan to arrive early for free parking at Baypark; if you prefer not to drive, Bayfair buses or ride-share/taxis are the best alternatives (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz).

Inside the Venue

Upon entry, visitors pass standard security screening. Prohibited items at Bay Venues include illegal drugs, weapons, fireworks, commercial recording equipment and large signs or banners (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Only certified service animals are allowed (no pets) (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). For safety, smoking and vaping is banned except in clearly marked outdoor areas (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Bay Venues staff may refuse entry or eject anyone violating these rules. After security, the spacious interconnected foyer leads to the arena halls or stadium concourse. Amenities include multiple restrooms (some accessible), water fountains and first-aid facilities. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the complex (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz), so you can use your phone or apps. Bay Venues’ in-house catering arm (Bay Catering) operates most food and beverage outlets. In the Arena, a modern café in the foyer offers coffee, snacks and light meals (www.bayvenues.co.nz). During sporting events or concerts, concession stands and portable bars sell typical choices (pizza, burgers, ice cream, beer, etc.). Note that outside food or commercial drinks are not permitted (except personal non-commercial snacks) (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Merchandise booths for concert T-shirts and souvenirs are common near the entrances or concourses during gigs. Connectivity is modern: venues have high-quality sound and lighting rigs, and the whole facility is wired with AV cables and projectors. Accessibility features include ramps, elevators and reserved wheelchair areas. Mercury Baypark is fully accessible – lifts give access to all upper levels of the arena and there are designated mobility parking spaces and seating available (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). The overall atmosphere is friendly and lively: Bay Venues staff are on hand to help with directions, accessible seating, lost children or any questions. In short, expect standard large-venue entry procedures, on-site basic dining and refreshments, modern facilities and a supportive team ensuring everyone enjoys the event comfortably.

Nearby Amenities

Baypark’s Mt. Maunganui location means plenty of nearby conveniences. Within a few minutes’ drive (or a 5–10 minute walk) there’s the large Bayfair Shopping Centre. Bayfair has food courts, casual restaurants (Mexican, Asian, burgers, pizza, etc.), a decent food court and also bottle shops and a cinema. For pre-show dining, many visitors grab a meal at Bayfair eateries or nearby fast-food (KFC, Subway, Domino’s) since it’s so close. If you prefer sit-down dining or bars, the base of Mt. Maunganui (about 3 km west) is famous for cafes, seafood restaurants and brewpubs. The “Strand” waterfront area of Mount Maunganui features bistros, tiki bars and pizza places (including local favourites like Burger Fuel, Drunken Fish, and craft brewery taprooms). After events you’ll also find fish-and-chip shops, convenience stores and dairies open late. In terms of accommodation, there are many hotels and motels within 2–5 km – brands like Best Western, Holiday Inn (Polynesian Spa), and local motels on Aerodrome Road, plus backpacker hostels. For example, the Motel 8 and Rydges Hotels are south of Baypark, offering easy access. Rideshare apps (Uber, Ola, etc.) and taxis operate throughout Mt. Maunganui after hours. In summary, arriving a little earlier allows you to enjoy some local dining options before a show, and late-night transit options (taxis or shared rides) are plentiful. The area’s beach vibe and the nearby Mount Hot Pools (a popular geothermal spa run by Bay Venues (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz)) also make Baypark a part of the region’s broader leisure scene.

What Makes This Venue Special

Bay Venues’ Mercury Baypark is unique for its scale, versatility and local significance. Architecturally, it blends modern indoor halls with a historic outdoor speedway stadium. The main Arena boasts a stylish open foyer decorated with civic art (www.bayvenues.co.nz) and a cutting-edge design that allows indoor and outdoor functions to flow seamlessly. Practically, the venue can host anything from a trade fair (4,500 m² in one hall) to an 8,000-person arena concert (www.bayvenues.co.nz). Its signature moments include major concerts and Kiwi sporting spectacles. Cultural lore around Baypark runs deep – families have spent generations attending speedway events and mountain-of-smiles Christmas concerts here (bayparkspeedway.co.nz) (www.bayvenues.co.nz). In fact, Tauranga fans often call Baypark their “summer heart” on nights of roaring engines and fireworks (bayparkspeedway.co.nz). For performers, Baypark offers top-notch facilities and a chance to reach a Bay of Plenty audience without South Island hops. Indeed, Bay Venues insists that the recent capacity boost for Mercury Arena now makes Tauranga on par with larger cities for indoor shows (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz), keeping big acts local and boosting the region’s cultural profile. The complex has also seen famous “firsts” – like hosting roller-derby matches, AIMS Games ceremonies and even basketball tournaments under its high roof. Community traditions, like the annual Baypark Speedway season launch (“Back to the Bay” finale), and local school balls held in its lounges, all underline its role in Tauranga life. Economically, every event at Mercury Baypark brings visitors (for example the AIMS Games alone fill hundreds of hotel rooms and generate millions for local businesses). As Bay Venues manager says, bigger shows mean Tauranga dollars stay in the city rather than being spent elsewhere (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). All this gives Baypark a special character: it’s not just a building, but a local landmark where historic sporting rivalries and rock concerts have become part of Bay of Plenty folklore.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: Mercury Baypark is fully accessible. There are ramps and lifts connecting all levels of the Mercury Arena, and reserved wheelchair seating available for events (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Accessible parking spaces are provided near the entrances. Staff can assist with companion seats and accessible restrooms. If you have specific access needs, contact the Baypark team in advance or on arrival.

Arrival: For popular shows and races, arrive at least an hour early to find parking, grab a souvenir or snack, and pick your spot. General admission (standing-floor) ticket holders often line up well before doors open to get front-row positions. If you have reserved seats, you can still arrive 30–45 minutes before start time. Expect bag searches at entry; small handbags/backpacks are fine, but large bags may be checked.

What to Bring/Not Bring: Follow venue rules. No outside alcohol or commercial food – Bay Catering has exclusive rights (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz), though you may bring water and small snacks. Professional cameras/video recorders are typically prohibited (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Dress comfortably for the event: concerts and sports are usually casual (jeans or shorts and layers are good). For outdoor events at Speedway or open-air concerts, bring ear protection for kids (racecars and rock shows can be very loud) and a jacket in case it gets cool. On sunny days, wear a hat and sunscreen.

Bag Policy & Security: Expect standard stadium checks. Items not allowed include weapons, fireworks or anything deemed dangerous (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). High-vis jackets (which could be mistaken for staff) and protest signs are also banned. Smoking/vaping is only permitted in designated outdoor areas (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz) – when inside the arena or stadium, take breaks at the marked smoking zone.

Food & Drink: Inside the venue you can usually buy snacks, meals and drinks (including local Bay beer or wine) from cafes and concession stands. The on-site Mercury Baypark Café (in the Arena foyer) has coffee and light meals (www.bayvenues.co.nz). If you have dietary needs (gluten-free, etc.), check menu boards; many concessions list ingredients. Meals and groceries (including a supermarket and bottle stores) are also available a few minutes away at Bayfair Mall and nearby Wakefield Rd.

Connectivity & Services: Wi-Fi is freely available (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz) so you can coordinate meeting friends or check ticket details on your phone. There is usually an acoustic earplug station or lost & found at main entry. Restrooms (including family and accessible toilets) are clearly signposted along concourses. Credit/debit card payment is accepted almost everywhere – most vendors prefer cards, so carrying cash is optional but helpful for quick snacks or ATM backup.

Insider Insight: Locals love standing at the stage barricade for a true fan experience, but if you want an unobstructed view consider midfield seats in the first few rows of the stands. Keeping one eye on exit routes and emergency signage is wise (Bay Venues staff will assist if needed). If a bad weather event occurs, the covered concourses provide shelter. Bay Venues often has staff walking the floor to chat with audience members; don’t hesitate to ask them any questions. By following these tips – arriving early, packing earplugs and layering up – you’ll ensure your Baypark visit is safe, fun and memorable.