Going to Ed Sheeran? Here's what you need to know!

Publish Date
Friday, 23 March 2018, 10:58AM
  • Auckland Transport is putting on special event buses and trains which will be free to concert goers when they show their ticket.
  • Auckland Transport recommends getting on board public transport early.
  • For regular commuters who use the Southern Motorway or the Southern or Onehunga train lines it would be best to travel off-peak if possible to avoid possible delays.

Delays are expected this weekend as thousands of fans travel to watch Grammy-winning artist Ed Sheeran in concert.

Around 40,000 fans will watch the pop star at concerts on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights at Auckland's Mount Smart Stadium, and Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Auckland Transport is warning people to aim to arrive early, as public transport will be extremely busy.

Concert goers on Monday night in particular will be travelling during peak afternoon traffic, meaning the journey will take longer than usual to get to the stadium area.

READ MORE:
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Travel on trains, special event buses and Northern Express buses is free with concert tickets.

Special event buses will run from a temporary stop on Quay St between Britomart Place and Tangihua St (near Les Mills), from 5pm to 7.45pm.

Buses will also run for one and a half hours after the concert.

There will be additional trains on all lines before and after the concerts. The stadium is a 10-15 minute walk from the Penrose Station.

Road closures and parking restrictions will also be in place near the stadium.

The Dunedin City Council is also asking motorists to stay off the roads and walk or take the bus instead.

Council Group Manager Transport Richard Saunders said people should take advantage of public transport and walk where possible as parking would be tight around the Forsyth Barr Stadium and the central city.

People who will be travelling around the city by car, are asked to drive carefully and expect some delays at times over the weekend.

 

AUCKLAND - Mt Smart Stadium

Approximate set times:
4pm - Gates open
6pm - LOST BiRD
7.30pm - Drax Project
8.45pm - Ed Sheeran (roughly two hours)

Transport:
Transport is included in your ticket for NEX busses and trains. These run to and from the city from 4:30pm. Details are available at https://at.govt.nz/.

If you're being dropped off or picked up, the best meeting points are Church St, west of the Maurice Rd intersection, or Mt Smart Rd, west of the Rockfield Rd intersection - just check your ticket to see which is closest to your entry gate.

There are some parking options in surrounding streets, but if you park somewhere that is later subject to road closures or parking restrictions (Beasley Ave, Fairfax Ave, Station Road between Rockfield and O’rorke, Walls Road, Bassant Ave, Botha Road, Olive Road, Station road between Great South Road and Olive Road) you may be towed or delayed leaving.

There is onsite mobility parking for patrons holding a current mobility parking permit.

Tickets:
You're encouraged to print your tickets as some phones may not be readable on the ticket scanners. Also, be aware that everyone needs their own valid ticket - including infants and children.

What you can bring into Mt Smart:
Umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium. GoPro's and selfie sticks are also not allowed.

Empty plastic water bottles without lids will be accepted. You can purchase food from the bar or bring your own homemade food.

 

DUNEDIN - Forsyth Barr Stadium

Approximate set times:
4pm - Gates open
6pm - Mitch James
7.30pm - Six60
8.45pm - Ed Sheeran (roughly two hours)

Transport:
The stadium is just a 20 minute walk from the Octagon.

Transport is included in your ticket for shuttles. These run to and from the Octagon from 3:50pm to 11.30pm. Details are available at www.orc.govt.nz.

Shuttles will depart from outside the Dunedin iSite and 41-49 Harbour Terrace by Otago Polytechnic’s Technique Restaurant every 10minutes. Present your concert ticket when you get on.

Parking restrictions would be in place around the stadium from 2pm to midnight each concert day.

There is a walkway linking the wharf area from Wickliffe Street near the corner of Fryatt Street to Forsyth Barr Stadium. There is free car parking all around this harbour area.

There are seven marked mobility car parks available on a first in, first served basis in the East End carpark between Gates E & F. A mobility pass must be visible within the vehicle and all car park regulations must be adhered to.

The taxi rank is outside Gate F.

Tickets:
You're encouraged to print your tickets as some phones may not be readable on the ticket scanners. Also, be aware that everyone needs their own valid ticket - including infants and children.

What you can bring into Mt Smart:
Umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium. GoPro's and selfie sticks are also not allowed.

Bottles of water with seals unbroken that are less than 1 litre will be accepted. You can purchase food from the bar or bring your own homemade food.

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