Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Christchurch’s new covered stadium was put to the test as it is officially opened on a wet and stormy day in the southern city.
The $683 million stadium is the last of the city’s anchor projects intended to revitalise Christchurch after the earthquakes.
It has 25,000 permanent seats with capacity for a further 5000 temporary seats and can house about 36,000 for concerts.
There were years of debate post-earthquake about the size and whether a new stadium needed to be covered, before the plan was signed off by the council in 2021.
Opening the stadium on Friday mayor Phil Mauger said he was absolutely delighted it was on time and on budget.
As rain lashed the outside of the One New Zealand Stadium on Friday and everyone inside stayed warm and dry, Mauger said it proved the decision to build it covered was the right one.
“Some people weren’t happy when we first mooted that it was going to be built but now you can’t argue with it. It’s hosing down outside and we are standing here in the dry. It is grouse,” said Mauger.
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
It was one of the last cogs in Christchurch’s earthquake recovery, he said.
“We have Parakiore [recreation and sports centre] around the corner, we’ve got Te Pae [convention centre], we’ve got Margaret Mahy [playground], we’ve got Ngā Puna Wai [sports hub]. We’ve got so many things that will make Christchurch the sporting and events capital of the country by a long shot,” said Mauger.
After the ribbon was cut marking the official opening, former All Black and Crusaders first-five Dan Carter kicked a conversion.
“Its a huge privilege to be part of this opening,” Carter said.
“And a little bit relieved now that it went through and I didn’t miss.
“There’s going to be so many incredible memories, records broken, historical moments that are all going to be happening here.”
Carter said he was envious of the current crop of players and future superstars that got to play at the stadium.
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Christchurch’s new stadium was truly world-class.
“It just means we can go out in the world and compete with Australian states and now we have a great venue we can bring acts to. And every act is about driving jobs and lifting incomes because people come here and then walk into the city and spend money in the hotels and bars and that leads to more jobs and higher incomes for everyone,” Luxon said.
Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said it was ironic to have rain and wind battering the new stadium on its opening day.
“It’s incredible having a roof – it really does give us the ability to do things all year round. A diverse range of content. So the irony of today being the ceremonial opening – it certainly showcased its benefit,” she said.
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The stadium’s first event will be a Super Round of Super Rugby Pacific over Anzac weekend with 10 of the competition’s 11 teams playing in five matches in Christchurch.
Harvie-Teare said about 75,000 people were expected at the stadium over three days.
“Five games of rugby on the grass. So it is certainly one way to put this venue under pressure straight way but it will be an incredible event for the city – so we can’t wait.”
British pop superstar Robbie Williams is scheduled to be the first international act to play at the stadium in November and rock legends Foo Fighters follow in January next year.
One New Zealand Stadium hosts its first concert in May with Six60, Synthony and Kaylee Bell playing the Once in a Lifetime event.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
