Football stadium set to look unrecognisable with enormous BEACH after 100 tonnes of sand is dumped in

A FOOTBALL team are trucking in 100 TONNES of sand to create a huge beach at their stadium.

Auckland FC are trying to lure fans into their home games on December 21, January 1 and January 18 with the promise of cocktails, an inflatable slide and even a sandcastle competition.

The A-League expansion club say the inland beach will be New Zealand's biggest.

A statement said: "Those sticking around for summer can still hit the beach thanks to Auckland FC.

"The club are trucking in more than 100 tonnes of sand to bring the best of the beach to the heart of the action for their upcoming home games on 21st December, 1st and 18th January.

"The much-loved family fun zone is set to be transformed into a massive beach that’s decked out with all your summer’s day essentials."

The statement revealed the beach project would include live music, sandcastle competitions, a beachside cocktail bar and an inflatable slide.

There will also be deck chairs and picnic areas as part of the transformation.

And fans will even be able to take part in a fancy dress competition.

The sand will be transported using six trucks to the centre of the 25,000-seat Go Media Stadium - previously known as Mount Smart Stadium - in Penrose, New Zealand.

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Auckland FC were established in March 2024, and along with fellow expansionists Canberra, joined the Australian Professional Leagues from 2024/25.

The club's first professional game was held on 19 October in front of a sell-out crowd.

American businessman and owner of AFC Bournemouth Bill Foley is the owner of the club.