Opening Series of events to launch One New Zealand Stadium

Community open days will take centre stage during the opening series of events for One New Zealand Stadium, which will include Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round, according to operators Venues Ōtautahi.

The Christchurch City Council owned events and venues company, who manage the venue, are developing an opening series of events with a commitment to giving Christchurch locals the opportunity to be the first to experience the venue.

Events for the opening series, which will be announced over the coming months, will showcase One NZ Stadium’s versatility with sport, concerts, community and corporate events to feature.

Among the key events will be three community open days giving opportunities for schools and the public to visit the stadium.

Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said ensuring the Christchurch community have the chance to experience New Zealand’s premier venue was a top priority.

“We know this stadium means so much to so many people, so we want as many members of the community as possible to walk through the gates and experience firsthand this remarkable facility and have pride that it is part of our amazing city,” she said.

“For the last three years, as a community, we’ve watched the stadium grow from the ground up and take its place in the cityscape. It is a truly remarkable piece of infrastructure that will deliver an unforgettable experience. Cantabrians have had to wait a long time for a worldclass stadium and One NZ Stadium will certainly be worth the wait.”

The stadium’s opening series is being driven by four key pillars: Allowing as many members of our community as possible come through the venue; To showcase the venue and our city on the world stage through broadcast; To drive significant economic benefit through visitation to the region; And to demonstrate the stadium's multi-use functionality.

Super Round marked the first major announcement for the venue five games of Super Rugby Pacific, to run from April 24-26.

Fittingly, the Crusaders kick off the weekend on Friday 24 April. Fellow Kiwi sides the Hurricanes, Blues, Chiefs and Highlanders will also feature along with Pacific sides Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua and Australian sides the Brumbies, Waratahs and Reds.

“It will be a special moment when the Crusaders run out onto their new home field for the first time. We can’t wait to watch them build on their dynasty in their new fortress.”

The weekend is expected to attract more than 13,000 visitors to the city who are expected to contribute more than $6.1 million in spending to the local economy. With Super Rugby broadcast in more than 40 countries, it gives One NZ Stadium a worldwide audience.

“Super Round is an incredible opportunity to showcase the stadium on the global stage,” Harvie-Teare said. “To have 10 teams and 10 fanbases experiencing One NZ Stadium is a special way to introduce the venue to fans and teams alike. We know the quality of the facility will mean is a favourite stop on the calendar for everyone.”

Further events for the opening series, including more details of the community open days, will be announced in the coming months.

Corporate and community bookings are already underway with the Māia Health Foundation Feast Event, which will be held at the stadium in May, the first announcement made back in March.

Along with the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby, Venues Ōtautahi holds existing hosting agreements with the One NZ Warriors and the Wellington Phoenix and VŌ is actively working to lock in international fixtures for the venue.

But while sport is dominating the headlines, the stadium’s first concert remains a key point of interest.

One NZ Stadium can host more than 37,000 people for concerts or 15,000 for cutdown concerts with an arena-styled-setting. The stadium was designed with worldclass acoustics to ensure it is a leading venue for performances.

Harvie-Teare said there was plenty of interest for artists and promoters alike, in getting on stage at the stadium.

“The experience at One NZ Stadium will be unparalleled putting Christchurch at the forefront of securing the biggest acts touring Aotearoa. At the moment it is all about balancing timelines and working with promoters to ensure the first concerts are the right fit,” she said.

“Cantabrians have continued to prove their appetite for major concerts. In July, Christchurch concert announcements included Lewis Capaldi and Lorde at Wolfbrook Arena with both concerts selling out. The surge of interest in Ed Sheeran at Apollo Projects Stadium demanded a second show with limited tickets remaining for both concerts.”

The stadium build remains on time and on budget.