Footy, Fillies and Fans: Auckland's mega weekend

Each event has plenty riding on it.

The Warriors will be opening their NRL season against the Roosters and will want to set a benchmark early with a positive start.

The Blues will be out for revenge against the Crusaders, who beat them in last season’s Super Rugby semi-final.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing turns it on for Champions Day, its biggest race meeting of the season, featuring The NZB Kiwi, New Zealand’s richest race worth $4 million in prizemoney. The three footy clubs are official partners of The NZB Kiwi Golden Ticket campaign and ‘The People’s Horse’, giving fans the chance to win thousands in cash* and be in to win a Golden Ticket, securing a VIP share in the ownership group contesting the $4 million NZB Kiwi on Champions Day. *Terms & Conditions apply.

Rounding out the weekend, Auckland FC faces Perth Glory at the business end of its season, battling it out at the top of the table and hoping to close out another impressive premiership win.

For tickets and info, visit www.footyfillies.co.nz

One New Warriors CEO Cameron George is thrilled about what lies ahead.

“As sporting weekends go, they don’t come better than this,” he said.

“How good is it having the chance to attend four huge live sporting events in less than 48 hours? If you’re a true sporting fan you won’t want to miss out.

“It all starts with the One New Zealand Warriors at Go Media Stadium against one of the title favourites, the Sydney Roosters.

“On the back of selling out 30 of our last 36 games in New Zealand, we’ve experienced unprecedented demand for tickets ahead of the 2026 season and can’t wait to see our home packed out to kick off this magic sporting weekend.”

Auckland Council Events is supporting the weekend with an advertising campaign encouraging attendance, targeting a domestic audience as well as sporting hubs in Australia, such as Melbourne and Brisbane.

Mayor Wayne Brown says major events are one of the most powerful ways to showcase Auckland.

“Footy, Fillies and Fans is a brilliant example of what happens when our leading sporting codes work together to create a true destination moment. It gives fans every reason to travel, stay the weekend, and turn their trip into a full Auckland experience.

“A packed sporting calendar like this lifts Auckland’s profile across New Zealand and Australia, showcases our city internationally, and delivers real benefits for local hospitality, tourism and business.”

Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker says the weekend will be a great occasion for fans to get out in Auckland and enjoy the atmosphere of live sport.

“This could well be the best sporting weekend of the year, so whether you’re from Auckland or thinking of paying a visit, this is your sign to get out and enjoy a unique weekend of sporting entertainment,” he said.

“This is great for Auckland and the people of the city; it shows the life and ambition this city has and what we can together achieve. It is unique occasion. Every game, every race, every moment matters and now is a chance to get out and see it.

“Collectively there is more than 80,000 tickets available for these combined events and we’re grateful for Auckland Council Events for rallying behind the clubs and supporting it.”

Auckland Blues CEO Karl Budge applauds the initiative.

“This is what Auckland sports should look like. Big occasions, full venues and a city coming together,” he said.

“We're proud to be working alongside our friends at the Warriors, Auckland FC, Auckland Council Events and Auckland Racing Club to create Auckland's biggest weekend.

“Nothing beats the energy of being there in person, and for us, a Blues-Crusaders clash is as big as it gets and is exactly what this weekend is about. This is the kind of weekend we want Auckland to own - loud, passionate and unforgettable.”

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox says the action-packed schedule sets up racing’s biggest weekend of the year.

“This is a genuinely special moment for Auckland sport. To have rugby league, rugby union, football and our biggest race day of the year all coming together in one weekend shows the scale, energy, and ambition of this city,” he said.

“Champions Day is the pinnacle of our season and pairing it with three blockbuster fixtures creates an unbeatable proposition for fans. Footy, Fillies & Fans is about collaboration, not competition, bringing codes together to celebrate live sport, shared audiences, and an unforgettable Auckland weekend.”

“If you’re a footy fan who’s never been to the races, Champions Day is the perfect place to start.

“It’s loud, fast and social – just like a big game day – with world-class athletes, huge prize money and an electric crowd. You don’t need to know about racing to have a great time; you come for the atmosphere, the mates, the colour, and the moments. It’s sport, entertainment, and a great day out all rolled into one.”