Events at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga

About Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre

The Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre (QEYC) in central Tauranga is a large multi-purpose indoor sports and community venue managed by Bay Venues on behalf of Tauranga City Council. Opened in the late 1960s, it’s named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II and has since been a “much-loved facility” and “community staple in Tauranga Central” (creativebop.org.nz). The centre sits adjacent to the city’s Memorial Park (with war memorial gardens and playground) at the corner of Devonport Road and 11th Avenue (www.eventfinda.co.nz), giving it a tranquil parkside setting amid the city suburb. QEYC is well known as one of Tauranga’s premier indoor venues for sports and events. It contains three full-size courts (two in the main hall plus another in an attached hall) and a large recessed stage at one end. The floors are permanently marked for multiple court games – basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and roller derby – making it a “premier sporting venue for all indoor codes” (www.bayvenues.co.nz) (www.bayvenues.co.nz). A tiered grandstand seats over 850 people for court-side viewing (www.bayvenues.co.nz), and overall capacity tops out around 2,580 patrons (www.bayvenues.co.nz). This flexibility means the hall can be arranged into many configurations – from traditional games audiences to concert seating or exhibition stalls (www.bayvenues.co.nz). Thanks to its size and stage, QEYC also hosts theatres, music and dance performances alongside sports, which gives it a unique character in Tauranga’s venue scene. It regularly draws crowds from across the Bay of Plenty for leagues, tournaments and community festivals, cementing its role as a sought-after community entertainment hub (creativebop.org.nz) (www.bayvenues.co.nz).

Events and Programming

At QEYC the year-round calendar is packed with a mix of sporting competitions, community classes and cultural events. Local sports leagues (often run under BayActive) fill weeknights and weekends with netball, basketball and volleyball games for all ages. For example, interclub netball seasons run Monday through Wednesday evenings in summer (www.eventfinda.co.nz), and Tauranga’s volleyball clubs likewise use the venue extensively. The centre has even hosted representative and national events – for instance, Volleyball New Zealand held a Junior Women’s test match versus Australia here in July 2022 (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Roller sports are also popular: community roller-skating sessions and holiday “SkatesCool” disco events for kids have been scheduled over school terms and breaks (www.eventfinda.co.nz) (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Family-friendly activities like children’s gymnastics (“Tumble Time” classes) and dance recitals often take place on weekdays or Sunday afternoons. Seasonal and annual events include the Tauranga HYPE youth music festival (e.g. “Hype VI” held in Dec 2021) (www.eventfinda.co.nz), cultural exhibitions, and school sports tournaments. Even niche sports like indoor cricket, net games (badminton/pickleball), martial arts and cheerleading find a home here. On any given fortnight there might be a community fair, an expo, or a charity sports tournament billed in the hall. In short, QEYC is used for everything from roller derby tournaments and trampolining ('tumble') sessions to theatre shows and flag football – “if you can dream it, QEYC can do it!” (www.bayvenues.co.nz) (www.bayvenues.co.nz).

Notable past events reflect the centre’s broad use. For instance, in addition to ongoing junior sports and weekly leagues, QEYC has hosted one-off events such as the Public Roller Skating Sessions in 2023–2024 (www.eventfinda.co.nz) and the school holiday SkatesCool roller disco in 2022 (www.eventfinda.co.nz). National teams (e.g. under-19 volleyball) and regional basketball or netball crossovers have played matches here. The theatre community stages dance competitions and drama performances using the hall’s stage. Community organizations also organize regular fundraisers, school badge ceremonies and training courses at the venue. Because the layout and equipment (like scoreboards, nets and effective lighting) can be changed quickly, small conferences or meetings are occasionally booked in, especially when exhibition space is needed (for example, art shows on flat floor space). In summary, QEYC’s programming is a mix of sports fixtures, local entertainment and community gatherings, typically almost daily throughout the year.

Tickets and Booking

Ticketing for QEYC events varies by organizer. Since the centre itself is primarily a hire venue rather than a single promoter, most events sell tickets through standard channels (Eventfinda, Ticketmaster, local box offices or directly through sports club memberships). Check local event listings or the organisers’ websites for each show or game. Smaller league games or community activities are often free or require only a small participation fee. Larger events (concerts, major tournaments or gala performances) range in price – local school events might be under $10 per ticket, while bigger shows or festivals might charge $20–$50. Advance booking is recommended for popular events. Often tickets go on sale weeks or even months in advance, especially for summer festivals or national sports matches. For many Bay Active sports leagues and classes, participants register online or in person at the BayVenues office (often via the Tauranga Leisure portal). There is no permanent public box office on-site, but for show nights a customer service desk may open at the main entrance. Some tickets (if unsold) can also be purchased at the door before the start time. In general, look for an official event announcement to know exactly where and when to book QEYC tickets. As with any Tauranga venue, early purchase is the safest strategy since big events can sell out of the limited grandstand seats.

Seating and Layout

The hall’s interior is essentially an indoor sports arena with a stage. It has two main full-size sports courts back-to-back and a third court in the adjoining Memorial Hall section. The long Western end houses a recessed proscenium-style stage, which is used for performances and speeches. Audience seating is provided by fixed bleachers (grandstand) that run along one side of the hall (the northern long wall). These stands seat roughly 850 spectators (www.bayvenues.co.nz). For most sporting events, fans watch from this elevated stand or from the remaining open edges of the court (often standing room). For concerts or theatrical shows, the courts’ flat floor is cleared of sports gear and filled with rows of movable chairs facing the stage. Various seating configurations are possible: rows of chairs on the floor, angled risers/A-frame seating, or space for standing. Small events might even use telescopic bleachers on both long sides when the court isn’t in use. In short, some seats are fixed (the 850-seat grandstand) and the rest are portable/flexible.

From experience, the best views depend on the event: For sports games, head of the grandstand or near the centre court line for a full court view. For music or theatre, centre-floor seats near the stage or front-level bleachers yield the best sightlines. Since the stage is recessed under the roof structure, front-floor seats get the clearest view of performers. Note the floor space can be uneven (court lines, posts removed but stanchion holes remain), so flat-soled shoes are best. The hall is built on polished wooden flooring, and sightlines can be tricky at floor level if seated behind taller spectators. Acoustically, the space is a high-ceiling gym, so sound can be lively/echoey. Most events rely on a portable PA system or the venue’s rig (stage lighting and speakers can be hired in). The fixed electronic scoreboards are visible from most seats, which is useful for scoring and time during games. There are no VIP boxes – every seat is general admission. Optional curtaining can divide courts or hide unused areas. Overall, the layout is straightforward, but remember that ceiling-height rafters support only modest lighting rigs and flying effects. Some seating angles (far corners behind the scoreboards) have limited views, so these are typically avoided by organizers.

Getting There and Parking

The QEYC is centrally located at 71 11th Avenue, Tauranga (corner of Devonport Road) (www.eventfinda.co.nz). It’s easily reached by car or public transit. By car, enter via Eleventh Avenue (there’s a signposted car park entry from 11th Ave). The venue itself has a dedicated parking lot with about 135 spaces (www.bayvenues.co.nz). These spots are usually free during events (as is common for city venues) but check signage for any metered areas closer to Memorial Park. When the main lot fills up, additional street parking is available along 9th–11th Avenues and Cameron Road (some metered). Rideshare or taxi drop-off is convenient at the 11th Ave front entrance or along Devonport Road by the main entrance. The closest Baybus stops are a short walk away: buses running along Devonport Road/Cameron Road (towards downtown) and along 14th Avenue serve the area. In practice, the Orange or Purple local routes (the Bayhopper) will drop you at Toru Street stop or similar, then it’s about a 5–10 minute walk south to the hall. If coming from downtown Tauranga, it’s roughly a 2 km (about 25–30 min) walk east along Cameron Road, or a 5-minute drive/taxi. There is no train service to Tauranga, so local buses or private transport are the main options. During busy events check road closures or route changes (e.g. city festivals may reroute buses). For cyclists, bike racks are typically available near the hall entrance.

Inside the Venue

Upon arrival, you’ll enter a spacious foyer that leads directly into the main hall. There is usually a staffed reception or ticket desk for large events, where staff will scan tickets or wristbands. Security screening (bag checks) can occur at the door, especially for high-profile shows. The atmosphere inside is very much like a community sports centre – there’s the scent of polished wood floors, the echo of balls bouncing on the court, and often the aroma of coffee or concession food from outside. Seating is general admission, so ushers or volunteers are on hand to show guests to seats when needed. Expect stadium-style lighting (bright for sports, dimmed for shows) and clear signage to restrooms or exits.

Facilities include: clean restrooms (including accessible toilets and baby-changing stations) in the foyer areas, a small office/meeting room off the entrance, and even showers for athletes or teams (www.bayvenues.co.nz) (www.bayvenues.co.nz). The hall has a built-in commercial kitchen, mainly used by organizers for events (for example, sale of food or serving team meals) (www.bayvenues.co.nz). There is no permanent café or restaurant inside, but during ticketed events you’ll often see food stalls (hot dogs, coffee, ice blocks) set up near the lobby. For sit-down dining, it’s best to go offsite before or after the event. Limited Wi-Fi is provided free of charge around the foyer and spectator areas (www.bayvenues.co.nz), though heavy streaming can be slow. Mobile phone signal is generally good throughout the hall. On performance nights, expect a merchandise table or program stands in the lobby or courtside. The venue is strictly non-smoking indoors (NZ law), with smokers directed to outdoor areas around the entrance. Coat checks or lockers aren’t standard, but in practice small cloakroom hooks are provided; large items may need to be kept with you or outside. Overall, the QEYC interior feels practical and functional – it’s clean and well-maintained, but not flashy. The charm is in its community vibe: players warming up on court, families chatting in the lobby, and the occasional team anthem booming from the PA. Listen to the echoes, wave at your neighbours, and soak in that local sports-centre spirit.

Nearby Amenities

The QEYC is surrounded by a nice mix of Tauranga’s city comforts. Right next door is Memorial Park, a scenic green space with playgrounds, rose gardens and war memorials – a good spot to arrive early or let kids burn off energy before a match. For food and drink, Cameron Road (one block north) has a variety of cafes, pizza places, Asian eateries and pubs within a few minutes’ walk. For example, along Cameron you’ll find casual diners (Mexican, burgers, Thai) and pub chains for a pre-show meal. The waterfront and Tauranga CBD are also only 10–15 minutes away on foot: there, dozens of restaurants (from waterfront bistros to sushi bars) and bars (Alehouse pubs, wine bars) await if you want a longer dinner out. If you prefer something quick, the petrol station corner (Devonport & Cameron) has a convenience store/snack shop. Drinkers should note Tauranga’s last bus/ride-share cutoff is around midnight, so late-night rides or arranging a designated driver is wise.

Accommodation-wise, there are hotels and motels nearby. The Hotel on Devonport Road and central CBD motels are within 2–3 km, and there are budget motels along Cameron Road. A later nightcap could be at one of Tauranga’s brewpubs or sports bars back in town – the drive or taxi from QEYC is only a few minutes. (During school holidays or big events, you might combine a show at QEYC with a visit to nearby Baycourt Theatre or Mount Maunganui beaches – but note traffic can get busy on 13th Avenue.) In general, arriving about 30 minutes early gives you time to park, use restrooms or grab a coffee. If you’re tight on time, there’s a small shortcut walkway through Memorial Park from the north that shaves a minute or two off the street route between Devonport Road and QEYC’s entrance.

What Makes This Venue Special

The QEYC’s special character comes from decades of community heritage and its flexible, no-frills design. It’s the kind of place where generations of Tauranga kids have grown up playing indoor sport or going on stage for the first time. Unlike a sterile corporate arena, it feels like a local gym where everyone knows each other – from school coaches to grandmotherly volunteers. Its architecture is simple mid-century utilitarian: a high vaulted ceiling of steel trusses and exposed rafters, plain brick or block interior walls, and a polished sports floor. Many find charm in that old-school look and the scoreboard clacking away, much like memories of classic Kiwi school halls. The “Queen Elizabeth” name lends it a grand air, and indeed a piece of local history: it was built soon after the Queen’s 60th birthday celebrations, and some elders recall its 1967 opening (making it a 56-year-old landmark) (www.nzherald.co.nz). Through the years it has hosted notable events (coaches’ championship nights, Tanzanian tours, Māori cultural performances, etc.) that tie it to community identity.

Culturally, QEYC matters because it’s a true community hub. You won’t find many other venues of its size dedicated to open sports mixed with performance in the middle of a small city. CreativeBay of Plenty highlights that QEYC is a “sought-after venue in Tauranga” (creativebop.org.nz), and Bay Times articles often note its importance to local sports and youth programmes (for example, roller derby and under-18 music shows). Its proximity to Memorial Park also gives it a solemn backdrop – the same site where ANZAC services are held each year. In practice, performers and athletes love QEYC because of its no-nonsense efficiency: setup is fast, parking is nearby, and the staff are local and friendly. Audiences love it for the energetic atmosphere – nothing beats a throng of locals cheering from the wooden bleachers or seeing parents line up along the sidelines with coffee in hand. For outsiders, QEYC offers an authentic Tauranga experience: it’s not a tourist attraction, but it’s where the city’s everyday life happens. All of this gives the hall a warm, lived-in feel that larger corporate venues can’t match.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The centre is fully wheelchair accessible (www.bayvenues.co.nz), with ramps to the stands and an elevator for the stage platform when needed. Accessible (unisex) toilets are provided on the ground level, and most doors are wide. If you require special seating, inform the venue in advance or arrive early to be directed. Service animals are allowed as per NZ law. There are also baby-change facilities available.

What to Bring: Bring your own seating cushion for floor chairs if you want extra comfort (the wooden bleachers can be hard). A reusable water bottle is handy – refill stations are available, but concession lines can be long. Wear flat shoes on the court floor. For sports events, consider ear protection for really loud situations (the echo in a crowded gym can be intense). Layers of clothing are wise: the hall can feel cool under the big roof, but if it’s a packed crowd with people cheering, it can warm up quickly. If attending a performance, check if the ticket includes a program or if souvenirs sell out early.

Arrival: Allow at least 15–30 minutes before showtime to park and find your seat. Even weekday games start punctually, so arriving late could mean missing the opening. Hall doors typically open 30–60 minutes before an event. Camera policy varies by event – casual photos for personal use are usually okay, but professional recording or flash photography is typically forbidden unless you have permission. Always check in with staff if unsure. Note that many families attend QEYC events, so the atmosphere is generally family-friendly; there is no formal dress code (casual and sportswear are fine), but avoid muddy shoes on the gym floor.

Prohibited Items: No outside alcohol or glass bottles are allowed; alcohol may only be sold or served under license by the event organizers (e.g. for concerts or tournaments). Smoking is banned indoors (and in adjacent Memorial Park, per council rules). No pets inside (except certified assistance animals). Large stadium-style umbrellas, camping chairs and large bags may not be brought into the seating area. Feel free to bring a small backpack, though this may get checked for security. Food from outside is sometimes disallowed if the event has catering – when in doubt, leave sandwiches or snacks in your car and buy refreshments on site.

Getting the Most of Your Visit: Check the Bay Venues or Tauranga Leisure websites for the latest schedule of activities (they often list ongoing leagues and kids’ classes). For popular shows or festivals, book early online to save on fees and guarantee entry. If driving, park at Eleventh Avenue as directed; if that lot is full, nearby Memorial Park lots often have space. If taking the bus, note that Tiger buses and local routes stop at Cameron/Devonport, about a 5-minute walk north. Late-night exit can be dark – group up or arrange a ride if you’re alone after dark. Finally, talk to the locals! The regulars are friendly – players and families often mingle in the foyer during breaks. Asking someone for a local tip (like the best fish-and-chips shop or where to catch the sunset) can add a bit of Tauranga charm to your visit.