There are plenty of live music events in Auckland, but there’s nothing quite like Centre Court Sounds. The concept is simple and brilliant — take a world-class sporting arena, strip it back, and transform it into a boutique, hospitality-led music festival with the stage sitting right where the action usually happens. Lush greenery, turf underfoot, curated bars, and fans just metres from the performers. It shouldn’t work as well as it does, but it absolutely does.
Now rebranded as Steinlager Centre Court Sounds, the 2026 edition lands on Saturday 31st October at Mānuka Doctor Arena — and the headline announcement is a big one. Shapeshifter will top the bill as part of their 20-year Soulstice anniversary tour, with this confirmed as the official Auckland date. As one of Aotearoa’s most influential live electronic acts, the Soulstice era remains iconic two decades on, and seeing it celebrated in this kind of setting is exactly the sort of occasion that sells out quickly.
Joining them are Sydney electronic duo Bag Raiders, dancefloor powerhouse Bontempo, and George FM Drive co-host and DJ SIN — a lineup that promises a Halloween night worth clearing the calendar for.
The 2026 edition comes with some significant upgrades too. Following ASB Classic redevelopment works, the temporary stand has been repurposed into a purpose-built stage and backstage lounge spaces, expanding capacity to 3,000 and enabling a configuration designed specifically for live music. Alongside that comes a larger GA footprint, a refreshed premium hospitality layout, and upgraded VIP booth and lounge experiences.
On the ticket front, there’s something for everyone. General Admission and Premium GA cover the on-court experience, while Corporate Suites and VIP Booths offer something more elevated — the booths seat groups of six or twelve in a raised courtside setup, complete with a premium beverage starter pack, a personal chilly bin, and QR code ordering for food and drinks delivered directly to your space. It’s the kind of setup that makes a night out feel like an event.
Tickets are on sale now across all categories.