Players vote HBF Park and Go Media Stadium as PFA A-League Men Stadiums of the Season
Perth Glory’s HBF Park and Auckland FC’s Go Media Stadium have been named the 2024-25 A-League Men Stadiums of the season, after receiving the highest average rating by the players for pitch quality and atmosphere, respectively.
Glory’s HBF Park edged out several contenders for the best pitch quality of the 2024-25 season, receiving an average score of 4.4 (on a 1-5 scale) just ahead of Western United’s Ironbark Fields (4.3), Wellington Phoenix’s Sky Stadium (4.3) and Adelaide United’s Coopers Stadium (4.2).
“This recognition is testament to the exemplary work carried out by the ground-staff and venue management at HBF Park once again this year,” Perth Glory CEO Anthony Radich said.
“As a club, we are hugely appreciative of their efforts to deliver what is genuinely a world-class playing surface.”
David Etherton, CEO VenuesWest added: “VenuesWest is thrilled that HBF Park has once again been acknowledged for the quality of its playing surface. It is especially significant that this recognition comes from the players themselves.
“We have long been very proud of the turf, which we diligently curate and maintain in collaboration with our turf managers, Green by Nature. The ability to host multi-sport events at the venue while maintaining the integrity of the surface for the players remains a priority. Accolades such as this one are not received lightly.”
Meanwhile, Go Media Stadium in Auckland was rated by the players as the best atmosphere in the competition, receiving a near-perfect 4.8 (on a 1-5 scale).
In the club’s first season in the A-League Men, Auckland averaged the highest attendances across the league (18,101) with another sell-out crowd expected for its maiden home final this Saturday against Melbourne Victory.
Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen also spoke about the fantastic atmosphere generated at Go Media Stadium.
“I’m not surprised. It is a fantastic stadium to play at. The fans are close to the pitch, they bring the noise and spur us on. I think they’re the reason we are able to keep going to the very end. Whether it’s the families at one end or the Port at the other, we feel their love, their energy and are just incredibly grateful to the thousands that show up every week.”
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker paid tribute to the club’s fans.
“This is an award that really needs to go to the fans.”
“They have turned up and made Go Media a fortress. They have brought the noise, the atmosphere and created an environment that the team love being a part of. We have the best average attendance in the league, the best fans in the league and now officially the best atmosphere to go with it.”
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Auckland Stadiums, James Parkinson added: “There has been magic in the air at Go Media Stadium this season and we have loved working with our new home team Auckland FC to deliver something truly special.
“The atmosphere has been electric every single week and the people of Auckland have shown up in record numbers. We’re very proud to see Go Media Stadium recognised by the players as a PFA Stadium of the Year.”
