The new Christchurch stadium will host Super Rugby Pacific's "super round" next year on Anzac weekend.
The rugby extravaganza will coincide with the opening of the long-awaited new central city stadium, called Te Kaha, with the defending champion Crusaders having the honour of playing the first competitive match there.
Super Rugby teams from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji will all play at the stadium over the weekend, starting from Friday night until late Sunday afternoon. There will be five matches in total.
The fixture details are yet to be confirmed for the round 11 weekend but a statement today from Super Rugby said the Crusaders will kick off on Friday, April 24, with the Hurricanes playing the Brumbies and the Blues tackling the Reds on the Saturday.
Two more matches would be held on the Sunday. It is the first time a super round will be held in New Zealand.
The opening of the covered, 25,000-seat new stadium next year will come nearly 16 years after the first Christchurch earthquake, in October 2010, badly damaged Lancaster Park, which was later demolished.
Since then the "temporary" stadium in Addington has played host to Canterbury and the Crusaders, along with concerts.
There is little doubt that Te Kaha will further rejuvenate a city which was rocked by fatal aftershocks in early 2011.
Crusaders will play in the first competitive match at Te Kaha, with four other matches scheduled for Anzac weekend. (Source: 1News)
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger said: “The opening event at One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will be a major milestone in the remarkable comeback story of our city and it is great to share that with our friends and neighbours from all across the country, Australia and the Pacific.
“We are really proud to be able to launch this amazing venue on behalf of Christchurch and know it will be a place where great memories are made.”
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said: “I’m stoked that the new stadium is going to host rugby, concerts and an amazing array of community events – but there’s no better way to kick it off than recognise the DNA of this region and start with Super Round hosted by Super Rugby Pacific and the very grateful Crusaders club.”
Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley said: “Super Round is a celebration of what makes Super Rugby Pacific special. Fans can expect fast-paced rugby, classic rivalries, and an electric stadium atmosphere as supporters across the Pacific come together to celebrate Super Round.
“Hosting this event in Ōtautahi Christchurch is a fantastic way to showcase the best of our competition. We’re excited to work with the city and the Crusaders to deliver something unforgettable.”
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