Long-awaited new stand for ASB Classic
- Dave Worsley
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Major rejuvenation ahead for ASB Classic at Stanley Street with the aging Robinson Grandstand at the southern end of the Arena to be replaced.
Built in 1962 it will be replaced with a new removeable grandstand set to be completed for the 2026 ASB Classic, with the WTA Women’s Open from January 5 to 11, followed by the ATP Men’s Open from January 12 to 17.
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With the Robinson Stand no longer fit for purpose, the new removeable structure will allow the ASB Classic tournament organisation to ensure that the centre-court facility meets updated requirements in terms of court-size and Arena capacity.
Auckland Tennis confirmed it will proceed with the development programme after they secured a grant of approximately $1.5 million from Auckland Council’s Sport & Recreation Facilities Investment Fund this week towards the overall Centre Court Roof project.
Tennis Auckland CEO, Rohan West, said the grant is a massive boost to the project with the organisation having initiated several funding strands.
It also green-lights the replacement of the Robinson Stand, which will allow for increased capacity and enlarged court area. The demolition of the Robinson Stand has also been supported by a grant from Grassroots Trust, a long-time support of Tennis Auckland’s work in the community.
In recent times the ASB Classic has received dispensation from the world tennis organisations – the ATP and WTA – but this is no longer a given.
“Basically, our centre-court does not comply with minimum court size, and our capacity for spectators falls short of the minimum requirements,” said West.
“We have been advised that we cannot assume the waivers will continue automatically, and frankly the Robinson Stand is no longer up to modern standards. It has served Tennis Auckland very well for over 60 years but has come to the end of its useful life.”
ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said the new stand, like those used in UK tournaments including the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club, will be a significant positive development for the tournament.
“We have had dispensation on minimum court size but this has become challenging,” said Lamperin.
“We also need the extra capacity and the planned grandstand will provide an excellent addition for fans at the tournament. I am sure it will help attract some players and will be well received by all players.”
The court extension would allow for the potential to host other sports events. The extended centre-court could accommodate two full-sized basketball, netball, volleyball or beach volleyball courts, four 3X3 basketball courts, and a full-sized futsal layout.
“Selwyn Robinson was a marvellous supporter of tennis, and was renowned as someone who wanted to protect things he felt were important to him and the city, said West.
“We believe he would have been supportive of our plans for the future of the tournament and the facility.”
The new moveable grandstand will be erected based on world-leading specifications, along the lines of those used on a temporary basis for significant tennis events around the world.
It will accommodate seating to ensure the arena meets the ATP criteria and has the flexibility to offer a range of options from standard seats to high-end padded seats.
Auckland Tennis is working on their vision of a roof for the centre-court, with the new grandstand part of that overall concept.
“The ASB Classic is the largest driver of economic growth on Auckland’s event calendar,” said West.
“Tataki Auckland Unlimited determined that the 2025 tournament generated 15,180 visitor nights and an actual change in regional GDP of $2.345m to the region. Our overall vision for the Manuka Doctor Arena is a crucial way for the ASB Classic to compete against competition from more modern venues in Australia, Asia and the Middle East.”
French veteran Gail Monfils won the men's ASB Classic in 2025 and Clara Tauson took away the women's title.
