ANZ + TBWA\NZ Press Auckland FC’s Debut Season to Vinyl to Commemorate a ‘Record Season’
Following a history-making debut season for Auckland Football Club (AFC), founding sponsor ANZ has released Record Season – a limited-edition vinyl that reimagines eight unforgettable highlights from the team’s inaugural year, created in partnership with TBWA\NZ.
A fusion of sport, sound and street culture, the vinyl reshapes what modern sponsorship can be – favouring ideas that live in culture and resonate with fans beyond traditional sports marketing. Record Season is a creative tribute and heartfelt thank you from ANZ to Auckland, recognising the energy, pride and belief the city has poured into its newest professional team.
Record Season immortalises standout AFC moments – including the best-ever start by a debut team in the Australasian Men’s National League (six straight wins), the longest time before conceding a goal (532 minutes), and sell-out crowds that set new attendance records for A-League Men’s games in New Zealand.
Pressed in Auckland by Holiday Records, just 150 hand-numbered vinyls have been created and gifted to players, superfans, and proud Aucklanders. The soundtrack of AFC’s debut season is also available to stream on Spotify, extending the reach beyond the turntable.
Says Shane Bradnick, CCO, TBWA\NZ: “From Day One shirts to Record Season, we’ve treated this sponsorship like a creative platform, not a logo placement. Record Season is more than a piece of vinyl – it’s a thank-you note to Auckland, crafted in a way that only a culturally driven brand could do. We wanted to create something that felt genuinely special – a lasting, physical tribute to an unforgettable debut year.”
“This season has been about more than football; it’s been about building something our city can believe in,” said Nick Becker, Chief Executive Officer at AFC. “From the roar of the crowd to those spine-tingling moments on the pitch, Record Season captures the heartbeat of our debut year. ANZ has been with us every step of the way, and we’re delighted with the tribute.”
Says Antonia Watson, CEO of ANZ: “AFC have given this city a much-needed boost of energy, fostering a sense of pride and community, and we’re really proud to have supported them since day one.”
Record Season follows the hugely successful Day One campaign, where ANZ gave away more than 200 limited-edition AFC shirts across the city in the lead-up to game one driving fans on a hunt through Auckland and building hype before a ball was even kicked. The shirts became instant collector’s items, and the campaign helped launch the Auckland Forever platform, celebrating the unique bond between city, club, and community.
The Record Season vinyl drop also coincides with a full-scale OOH and social campaign currently live across Auckland, with a simple but heartfelt message from ANZ to the city: “Thank You Auckland.”
Client: ANZ Aotearoa
Agency: TBWA\New Zealand
PR: Eleven
Audio Production: Franklin Road
Vinyl Production: Holiday Records
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