Events at ASB Stadium, Tauranga

About ASB Stadium

ASB Baypark Stadium – now known as **Mercury Baypark Stadium** – is Tauranga’s large outdoor multi-purpose motorsport venue, located at Baypark (Truman Lane, Mt Maunganui). It opened in 2001 (built by Bob Clarkson) and seats roughly 17,000 spectators in its covered grandstands (with a total capacity of around 19,800) (teara.govt.nz) (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). The stadium is best known as the home of Baypark Speedway – famously the Southern Hemisphere’s largest dirt speedway track (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz) – and also hosts high-octane events like jetsprint boat racing and tractor pulls. It even served as a winter ground for the Bay of Plenty Steamers rugby side. The venue is owned by Tauranga City Council (run by Bay Venues) and its covered seating (added in 2011) keeps fans dry no matter the weather (www.ticketfairy.com). In mid-2023 the naming rights moved from ASB Bank to energy company Mercury, so the complex was rebranded **Mercury Baypark** (with a bright new yellow theme) (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Aside from motorsport, this modern stadium also hosts community fairs, shows and sports – making it a keystone of Tauranga’s entertainment scene. Signature features include its sweeping feeder stand with corporate boxes and lounges for groups, plus an infield big enough to hold festivals or expos (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Put simply, Baypark Stadium is the heart of big events in Tauranga, raising the city’s profile by attracting large concerts, major races and festivals that the region otherwise couldn’t host.

Events and Programming

Baypark Stadium’s calendar is packed year-round with a diverse mix of action. In summer (roughly October–April) the stadium bursts to life most weekends with speedway races, stock car nights and high-speed **jetsprint** powerboat events – often drawing crowds wearing ear protection or waving flags in the covered stands. The stadium regularly hosts major motorsport spectacles like the D1NZ national drifting championship (often its Grand Finale was held here in 2023 and scheduled again for April 2025) (www.d1nz.com), national sprintcar and speedcar championships, demolition derbies and demolition derbys, and family-friendly racing meets (toddler to teen drag races, junior sprints). Motorsport series like the Baypark Pro Dirt Nationals and Bay Championships have become local traditions. In the winter months, the venue sometimes switches to other sports (it has hosted rugby sevens and regional tournaments) or community events. Beyond sports, Baypark Stadium accommodates concerts, expos and shows. For example, the stadium was the Tauranga stop for NZ artists and bands such as Tones and I (who played Trustpower Baypark Stadium in January 2020) (www.ticketfairy.com), and decades-old rock legends (Queen’s Brian May or ensembles tribute acts) have toured here. One of the biggest Caribbean-EDM festivals, **Bay Dreams**, used to wrap up New Year’s Eve at Baypark (though it was recently cancelled). Other events include Tauranga travel and home & garden expos, convention sports nights (like wrestling or boxing cards, e.g. boxing matches staged in mid-2024), charity galas, comedy/quiz shows and indoor sports tournaments. For example, the New Zealand Festival of Squash (2023) featured international coaches in the adjacent arena (www.bayvenues.co.nz), and Tauranga’s Wedding Show & Bridal Expo often occupies the stadium. School balls, corporate dinners and trade shows (robotics competitions, labour expos) also appear on the calendar. Ticket prices vary by event – local race night tickets are often under $30, while large concerts can exceed $100 per ticket. In all cases, advance booking is advised since popular shows (and the weekly sellout race series) can fill the venue well ahead of time (www.eventfinda.co.nz).

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for ASB Baypark (Mercury Baypark) events are sold through official channels and the stadium’s box office. For most events, you’ll buy through the promoter’s authorized seller or the Baypark box office, which is typically open on event days (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Big concerts and sporting events often sell out, so tickets go on sale months in advance. For those high-demand shows, joining artist or sponsor mailing lists (or the venue’s newsletter) can alert you to presale dates. Pricing tiers range from general admission bleacher seats (usually the most affordable) to reserved or VIP packages (covered grandstand seats, plus corporate lounge/hospitality tickets) (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). You can also often purchase spot tickets on event day at the box office (cash or card), subject to availability. Avoid scalpers: always buy through official outlets. When coming for a race night or sporting match, general admission tickets may even be available at very low cost (sometimes under NZ$20), whereas large concerts may charge premium prices. In summary: plan ahead for headliners and call or check the stadium’s official info (listed as ASB Baypark/Mercury Stadium events) to know when bookings open, then grab tickets early and pick them up at the stadium box office or have them emailed to you.

Seating and Layout

Baypark Stadium is designed around its central horseshoe-shaped dirt track. The vast majority of fans sit in one large main grandstand running along the front straight, which is now covered by a high roof (added in 2011) to shelter up to 90% of seats from rain (www.ticketfairy.com). Opposite the main straight there is little to no permanent seating – the track curves around a grass infield here. Thus, for the best sightlines, fans usually want seats in that covered grandstand in the middle sections (they face the turn exits and the finishing line). Lower rows in the grandstand bring spectators closer to the track action, while higher rows give an overall view of the entire oval. The stadium also features several private corporate boxes and hospitality lounges above the stands (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz) – these VIP sections offer cushioned seating and indoor amenities, plus exclusive sightlines for groups of 20, 40 or even up to 1000 people. They are rented out for group events and include dedicated catering areas. If you prefer an up-close experience at a racing meet, try to get as near to the track as possible (first few rows of seating) but still under the roof at the main stand. For concerts or festivals, the field might be opened for standing general admission (with the stage set up at one end); in those cases, front-row seats in the stand ensure a good view of the stage, while field spots put you in the mosh pit but farther from the front. Avoid seats at the extreme ends or far back of the stand if you want a clear view of the whole track or stage. All seating is fixed bench-style; there are no backless bleachers or grass berm seating. Acoustically, the covered stands help concentrate sound, but keep in mind that as an outdoor venue a bit of echo or wind can affect sound quality. Overall, ASB Stadium’s layout is typical for an open-air raceway with one primary grandstand, luxury boxes, and ample parking areas surrounding.

Getting There and Parking

ASB Baypark Stadium is located at **81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga** – right off State Highway 2 at the Bayfair/Baypark exit (Sandhurst Drive off-ramp). Most visitors drive in via the Sandhurst Drive/Mangatawa Link intersection, then follow signs to Baypark (via Truman Lane) (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). If you’re coming from Tauranga city, take SH2 eastbound past the city centre, then exit at Sandhurst Drive. From the south (Hamilton direction), use SH29A/SH2 toward Papamoa and follow the same exit. The stadium precinct is well-signposted; follow Baypark Boulevard once inside. The main Truman Lane entrance (Arterial Promenade Entrance 1) will be open for arrivals (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Parking at Baypark is very convenient. There are multiple large car parks on site, including free overflow lots around the stadium complex. **Parking is free of charge** on event days (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Expect to see attendants directing traffic on big-event days; they’ll guide you to the nearest available lot or any VIP/handicapped spaces. If you drive an EV, note that Mercury Baypark provides about four electric vehicle charging stations in Carpark A (you’ll need your own charging cable and a relevant app) (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Follow parking signs; on major event nights the Baypark team sometimes implements a traffic management plan for 5000+ crowds (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). After parking, generally it’s a short walk to the stadium entry – most lots are within a two- to five-minute walk. Car parking fills early for sold-out events, so arrive at least an hour before showtime if you want an easy spot near the entrance. Public transport access is more limited. There is no dedicated metro or train; the **Baybus** network serves parts of Tauranga, but routes to Baypark are infrequent except maybe special-event shuttles. In practice, many fans rely on private car or rideshares. Rideshare (Uber, Ola) and taxis can drop you off at the Truman Lane main gate (Entrance 1), where there’s a designated drop-off point on Baypark Boulevard (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). For those on two wheels, there are bike racks by the arena entrance (Mercury Arena) for secure bicycle parking (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). On-site parking accepts cars and coaches – oversized vehicles should check in advance with the venue.

Inside the Venue

Expect a lively, open-air atmosphere inside the grounds. There are no scoreboards or lighting rigs typical of, say, an indoor arena, but the stadium does have permanent floodlights for night events (www.austadiums.com). Upon entry you may pass through a quick security check (bags are generally allowed if reasonably sized, but any glass, weapons or illegal items are banned). The venue features a covered concourse under the grandstand with a row of food and drink outlets. You can buy typical stadium fare: hot dogs, burgers, fries, pizzas, pies, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Closer to races, look out for Devonshire tea vans or ice cream carts in Victorian-style turnouts! There are also licensed bars in the stadium selling beer, wine and cider (including local breweries on tap). No outside alcohol or illicit substances are allowed inside – it’s a family-friendly environment with licensed selling hours. For refreshments, the in-house catering options range from “speedway snacks” to full meals – the venue’s chefs can often adapt menus to the occasion (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). If you have special dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), the vendors usually have at least a few choices beyond the standard carnivore fare. Semi-formal events or corporate functions in the hospitality lounges can be fully catered with plated meals. Mercury Baypark Stadium provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the venue (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). You’ll need to accept the terms & conditions popup on your device, but once connected you can text or post updates about the race! Cell reception at Baypark is generally good since it’s in an urban zone. Besides vendors, there’s an on-site box office (selling same-day tickets on event day) and a small information desk near the main entrance. There is a box office window under the stands (look for a sign) – check opening times (often opens 1–2 hours before events). Restrooms (toilets) are plentiful under the grandstand and near concessions – broken out by gender with accessible cabins included. There’s a first-aid room on-site for injuries or medical needs (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Stadium attendants are visible in yellow vests – feel free to ask them for directions or help at any time. For belongings, there is **no cloakroom or coat check**; keep items with you or use your vehicle if you need to stash gear. The walkways and concourses have buskers or animatronic displays sometimes, adding to the festive vibe. If you want a souvenir, look for a pop-up merchandise stall during big events.

Nearby Amenities

While Baypark is a bit out of the city centre, there are plenty of conveniences within a short drive or walk. Off Truman Lane and Sandhurst Drive you’ll find a handful of small grocery / convenience shops and fast-food eateries. A more comprehensive dining scene is 5–10 minutes away by car: either north toward the beachside suburb of Mount Maunganui (straight on Maunganui Road) or south toward the Bayfair shopping district. Mount Maunganui (often called “The Mount” by locals) has many popular bars, cafes and restaurants along The Strand and Maunganui Road – think classic Kiwi fish & chips, waterfront bistros, breweries (like Romans Beer Co.), and casual pubs (some with craft beers on tap). Bayfair Mall is a major shopping centre with several restaurants, a food court, and licensed restaurants if you’d rather stay close to Baypark. If you want pre-show entertainment, consider grabbing a meal at a Mount Maunganui café (e.g. around Achilles Road and Pilot Road where many eateries line the street), or try a local pub near Bayfair (some have live music on weekends). As for bars and nightlife, the Mount area draws crowds with craft-brew pubs and surf clubs, while Tauranga’s city centre is about 15–20 minutes south by car for nightclubs and cocktail bars. After a late concert, taxis and rideshares can easily ferry groups back into town or to nearby hotels. Speaking of hotels, there are numerous places to stay near the Baypark area. Within a few minutes’ drive are budget motels and mid-range hotels near Bayfair. The Mount also offers beachfront motels and holiday parks on Marine Parade. Downtown Tauranga (Bay of Plenty’s waterfront) has several well-rated hotels within 10 km if you prefer an urban stay. If you’re visiting from out of town, the Tauranga Airport is only a 10-minute drive away, and Uber or airport shuttles service the Baypark area.

What Makes This Venue Special

ASB Baypark Stadium (Mercury Baypark) is uniquely Bay of Plenty. It’s one of the largest stadiums in the region (capacity ~20,000) and the only major motorsport arena, giving Tauranga a signature adrenaline venue. The covered grandstand and corporate suites make it comfortable even for rain or shine. Architecturally, it’s a striking complex – the sweeping grandstand meets a modern arena and plaza in one site. Next door is Mercury Arena (opened 2011, $42M investment) (wiki2.org), an indoor sports and concert venue, which means the whole Baypark precinct can host simultaneous events: e.g. a netball tournament inside while stock cars roar outside. The polished foyer, civic art installations and on-site café give it a community-centre flair outside of event hours (www.bayvenues.co.nz). Historically, Baypark Stadium is prideful for local traditions. Tauranga speedway racing fans grew up watching action here – it’s often said they have the fastest national meeting times in NZ thanks to this track. The stadium has seen generations of Kiwis flock to its “Hot Rod Heaven” nights. Internationally, it’s only a short time that Baypark hosted big touring acts – it’s thrilling for locals to witness global stars at home rather than travel to Auckland. Culturally, Baypark helped Tauranga mature into a festival city. For years, events that would otherwise bypass Bay of Plenty now stop at Baypark. For example, a country music tribute or rock tour is no longer just in Hamilton or Wellington; Mercury Baypark brings tourism and excitement to Tauranga as well. This mix – world-class racing and live entertainment under one roof-and-sky – gives Mercury Baypark Stadium its character. It’s the place where families on a Saturday night can watch stock cars, then see a rock band on Sunday afternoon on the stadium floor, and on Monday morning track volunteers are fixing fencing for the next race. Artists love playing here because they reach a new crowd in a beautiful waterfront city, and fans love it because the scale rivals big-city venues. In short, Baypark is Tauranga’s true megastage and racetrack rolled into one, and its very versatility and community roots set it apart.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility is a big plus: Mercury Baypark is fully wheelchair-friendly. All main entrances have ramps or lifts (the box office has a step-free entry) (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). There are designated accessible parking spots and seating areas close to the action (www.mercurybaypark.co.nz). Toilets and concourses are accessible, too. If you have any mobility needs, the staff will assist you. Note that seating configurations can change with each event, so call ahead if you need certain accommodations. When packing for Baypark, think weather and comfort. The main stand is covered but the field/infield is exposed – bring a light rain parka if rain or spray is forecast (rain doesn’t usually cancel events unless it’s dangerous). Likewise carry sunscreen and a hat if attending day races – there’s little shade beyond the roof’s reach. Ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones are wise for kids (and sensitive adults) during motorsport nights, as the V8s and sprint cars are loud. Also wear cheerfully colourful gear or team shirts for races; fans often tailgate in the carparks before big events. Bags are generally allowed but subject to search. There’s no official coat-check, so travel light. Security patrols are present – prohibited are weapons, glass bottles, fireworks and outside alcohol or typical “drugs of NZ”. Photography for personal use is fine (no drones, please), but professional filming requires event organiser permission. Tickets: hold on to your stub! If entering and exiting, you may need it to re-enter. Races often have free re-entry via the main gate, but keep it safe. If you lose something, the venue will usually store lost & found items at the box office or main reception. Age rules depend on the event: most Baypark shows are **all-ages** (including speedway nights) but require minors to be supervised. Some licensed concerts or late-night events might strictly enforce 18+ ID checks at entry. It’s best to bring valid photo ID (even under-18s should carry their school ID). Dress is casual: jeans, T-shirts and shorts are the norm (unless you’re in a VIP suite cocktail dress code). Note that smoking and vaping are banned inside the grandstand and arena – if you must smoke, use the designated outdoor areas away from entrances. Finally, arrive early. For racing events, gates often open 1–2 hours before the main program (for example, 5:30pm for a 7pm race show); arriving early guarantees time to park close, pick your seats, and grab a bite or find merchandise booths. The stadium often sells official programmes or event T-shirts – don’t miss these small souvenirs. If you plan to meet friends, the Baypark Plaza (the grass courtyard between stadium and arena, usually near the main entrance with the big Mercury sculpture) is a handy landmark. And above all, check the weather and event updates: Baypark might hold events rain-or-shine, so plan for wind or sun. Stick to these tips and your day (or night) at ASB Baypark will run smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions