Auckland needs sporting events. As many as possible. As big and flash and shiny as they come.

The oft rumoured State of Origin has been teasing the populace for many a year. Rumours are still thick on the ground; this time it’s thought that the announcement will be as early as this month. Great if it happens, but it will be a one off I’d suggest, great for a stellar tourist weekend for the 09, but not the long term locked down major sporting event the city yearns for.

We have the ASB Classic. An annual tennis-fest to be proud of, long may it be a staple of the summer.

The annual All Black fixture at Eden Park.

Then crickets.

The insects, not the test version which the city is incapable of hosting. It’s hardly big or shiny either right?

I’m not sure it’s sport, but the hugely popular Black Clash cricket sportainment event is in the Bay.

No big motorsport event in AK, although there were attempts at bringing Formula E here, but that got quashed before it had a chance to plug in. Supercars? Taupo and Christchurch. The World Rally Championship has been and gone; it is now a rarely realised pipe dream.

Sevens rugby is long dead. Aotearoa’s major golf tournament is in Queenstown.

PDC darts? At least we’ve pinched that back from the Tron. Surfing’s World League? Raglan.

No America’s Cup, thanks Grant.

All of this points to one thing, the Auckland leg of the Sail GP.

If the government and Auckland city don’t fight tooth and nail to keep this rapidly expanding global event here on the sparkling Waitemata, somebody will need to get in the sea. These opportunities to host a major sporting event like this as a rare as a summer without poo on our beaches.

Secure it and secure it long term.

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