Spark Arena named among the world’s best live music venues

Auckland’s Spark Arena has been listed as one of the world’s top 20 arenas by IQ Magazine, placing the venue alongside major international spaces such as The O2 in London, United Center in Chicago, and Avicii Arena in Stockholm.

The annual Arena Stars list forms part of IQ Magazine’s Global Arena Guide and highlights venues seen as leaders in live entertainment. Spark Arena earned its place for its flexibility across a wide range of events, with production setups that can scale from 2,500 to 13,000 people. The venue was recognised as a highly adaptable live entertainment space.

The announcement comes after a strong run for the venue. In March, Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour set a new attendance record for a single show at Spark Arena, drawing 12,736 fans. The venue has also hosted recent shows from Dua Lipa, Deftones, and Mumford & Sons. More major acts are lined up for later this year, including Zara Larsson, Hilary Duff, and J Cole.

The recognition comes as Spark Arena nears its 20th anniversary in 2027. Recent upgrades have included four new premium suites, increased capacity, and a full front-of-house refurbishment aimed at improving the fan experience.

The venue has also continued to build on its sustainability work, holding Toitū Carbon Reduction certification for three consecutive years and diverting an average of 95 percent of concert waste away from landfill.

The award comes at a key time for Aotearoa’s live music sector. In its June 2026 edition, IQ Magazine placed New Zealand in the spotlight as its featured market, pointing to the country’s growing place in the global touring circuit and highlighting its arena network in the Global Arena Guide 2026.