Auckland mayoral candidate Phil Goff has put his weight behind a new downtown stadium, saying it will be a necessity in 15 years' time.
Council agency Regional Facilities Auckland has said there is no current plan to build the $1 billion stadium proposed back in 2006.
But it has said Eden Park will need about $250 million for maintenance in another 15 years.
Mr Goff said that would not be worth the trouble, given that Eden Park was in a residential area, faced noise restrictions and hosted only two sports.
He said a new downtown stadium could support all forms of sport, as well as major concerts, and become an iconic venue for Auckland.
His preference was for the new stadium to sit on the old railway station next to Vector Arena.