I see a comment on Stuff asked why in Auckland and not Welli?
I think there's a high chance of seeing more PI fans turn up to watch Fiji, Samoa and Tonga if they qualify then fickle kiwis turning up to U23 Olywhites games.
Bingo If you're holding an OFC event in NZ, you want it in world's largest Pacific Island city. But then there's also the reality of having the right venues available and the logistics (OFC/NZF are both based in Auckland).
I'd agree with that if you did get hordes of PI fans turning up, but besides Fiji fans who does?
could easily have 1 group in Wellington - get Samoa based at Porirua Park and 1 in Auckland with Fiji in it
but this is Oceania and they won't do anything to promote it anyway
Hard to do it specifically for Samoa when they aren't even guaranteed a place.
The Nations Cup has been a one city tournament for two decades (other than when it was a home-and-away thing in 2007/8 and when they stuck a home-and-away final on the end in 2004), so I wouldn't be surprised if OFC asked for one city bids.
But I'm not sure Jerry Collins Stadium would cut the mustard.
If they're gonna be playing at Trusts Arena, why wouldn't it? Though keeping it in one city keeps the costs down, and that's probably another driving factor.
From what I know of Jerry Collins Stadium, it lacks the function (working) space Trusts has? Admittedly not the biggest deal, but I've seen OFC take over Trusts for the Champions League and they fancied spreading themselves out quite a bit. I also imagine the local rugby club mightn't be pleased.
But yes, costs probably a bigger factor – if you split it between two cities you're looking at an extra set of matchday staff, for starters.
OK Porirua park, was just an example, could easily have it at Newtown Park - the point was more that Oceania will do next to nothing to promote this competition whether or not they have it in Auckland or Wellington
Outside of NZ & Fiji games the crowds won't be great