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Jaxin Daniels • July 15th, 2025 12:16 pm
Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
Blues CEO Andrew Hore has opened the floor for fans of the Auckland Super Rugby franchise to have their say in where the team may play their rugby in the near future.
A survey sent out to fans posed the question of whether they would be more or less likely to attend Blues home games if they were held at Go Media Stadium as opposed to Eden Park.
A fan survey is something that is not new to Hore and the franchise.
"We do it pretty regularly.
"Whenever there are regular junctures where we can ask our fans what they think." He told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
Hore is also aware of the ever-changing landscape of how people consume their sport, noting that all sports are struggling with attendance.
"All sports are struggling with in-house attendance and you're always looking for ways and means of what your fan wants.
"Having a fan at the field enhances your high-performance outcomes and just makes more pleasurable people go.
"People attract people.
"So that's why we've asked the question, and we'll review it."
Although the survey may seem like a major sign pointing away from Eden Park, Hore is aware there is still a lot of conversations to be had before anything is final.
What Eden Park needs to be a great venue | Sport Nation
"There's a lot to take in here because we've also got to talk to our commercial partners, high performance people, fans and members.
"If there was a resounding belief that staying at Eden Park or leaving Eden Park was going to engender a greater connection through to our teams, then we would seriously have to look at it.
"Without asking the question you just sit there in fear for the rest of your life and don't evolve."
Evolving is something Hore and Super Rugby are familiar with.
"We wanted to light the flame for future generations to come.
"You're starting to see with the rule changes and things like fantasy league, that is starting to have an impact.
"So, this was the point in time to ask is Eden Park the environment that you want to consume your rugby if you're coming live."
The Blues aren't only looking at themselves but also how they shape up in the competitive Auckland sporting environment.
"You can be motivated by that and walk towards that, which I think we've shown we are very keen to do.
"Our averages are slightly lower than the Warriors but aren't too dissimilar to Auckland FC.
"The thing that we get bashed for is in a 45-50,000-seater stadium, it can look very different to 11,500 people at Mount Smart.
"You do the same thing at Eden Park and that's where the challenge lies."
Hore is no stranger to major stadium changes and how they can be for the better.
"Cardiff Arms Park was cherished amongst rugby fans around the world.
"If you talk to anybody now, they would say that Millennium Stadium is arguably the best rugby stadium in the world.
"It is amazing when you offer people a really attractive offering, how quickly that history fades.
"That being said, Eden Park has been the home of the Blues for 30 years. It's synonymous with rugby, and we've got to respect that.
"Change is tough, and some people really struggle with it. But it can also be bloody positive if you're prepared to walk towards it."
The Blues will now collate the data from the survey, as well as hold those conversations with stakeholders to make the best possible decision before heading into the 2026 season.
Listen to the full interview below:
