Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has announced the final $5 million towards the Tennis Auckland Roof Project.

The $5m capital grant completes the $15m fund required to upgrade the Manuka Doctor Arena’s new Centre Court roof.

The announcement comes less than a month before the 2026 ASB Classic, a key event for the Auckland economy.

The covered venue will mean an end to delays and rain cancellations and help attract players. The arena will also be able to host a wider range of indoor sporting events, entertainment and other community activities.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is delighted the project, planned for completion in 2027, will go ahead.

“This needs to be done,” Brown said. “I’ve been at too many events ruined by rain. This is about making sure we have venues at a standard for world-class events to continue.”

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) CEO Nick Hill said the announcement supports Auckland’s reputation as a premier international events destination.

“By jointly supporting a permanent roof over centre court, we are protecting those benefits, ensuring certainty for event organisers and audiences and strengthening an important facility that serves Aucklanders year-round,” Hill said.

“Auckland Council Events will have a stronger footprint at the venue, ensuring Aucklanders can more clearly see the council’s role in supporting major events that bring people together and generate value for the region.”

The grant follows the Government’s investment of $5m in October, and Auckland Council’s agreement to an initial injection of $1.5m.

Artist's impression of the proposed roof at Manuka Doctor Arena, home of the ASB Classic. Graphic / Supplied

Part of the revamp includes the demolition of the Robinson stand, the enlarging of the court and capacity to meet ATP Tour standards and – eventually – the erection of a permanent canopy roof over the arena.

The centre court currently doesn’t meet current tour standards. As players get more athletic – and are serving more strongly and hitting harder – the existing dimensions have come under pressure.

In 2023, the ATP Tour revised its minimum court length standards to 40.23m, more than 3m longer than Auckland’s 36.95m. The new surface will cover 41m – allowing players more room to receive booming serves and groundstrokes.

Tennis Auckland chief executive Rohan West said they had little choice but to build a roof.

“Tennis Auckland sincerely thanks Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and the Auckland Council for this vote of confidence,” West said.

“As a major and long-term partner of Tennis Auckland, the ASB Classic and the Manuka Doctor Arena as a venue, this funding provides certainty for the project.

“We are very excited for the future and are ready to greenlight the next phase of the project. We can’t wait to get things underway.”

Demolition of the Robinson stand began in August, with work beyond that including landscaping, retaining walls, drainage works, power and data ducting, and everything else necessary to get the site ready.

The 2026 ASB Classic, which starts on January 5, will have a temporary grandstand installed, with a capacity of just over 1000.

West points out that the scaffolded grandstand is a model used at other notable tournaments, including Queens in London and Monte Carlo.

The new structure will also include a luxury section, with plush seats and food and drink delivered to the stand, named the Lexus Terrace.