Christchurch roars back as crowd raises stadium roof
Saturday, 25 April 2026
It was the big day Canterbury had waited so long for and there was no skimping on the action and elation.
Christchurch turned on the atmosphere, the entertainment, and fine weather as it welcomed tens of thousands of rugby fans the shiny new One New Zealand Stadium’s first event: the Super Round.
The Crusaders put the icing on the special day by roaring to a 35-20 win against the Waratahs.
After 15 years using a temporary facility and a $683 million build, the city finally has its roofed stadium for sports, concerts and other events.
- Catch up on The Press’ live coverage from opening night here
A sold-out crowd of 25,000 roared with excitement as the Crusaders and the Waratahs took to the field for the inaugural match on Friday night.
Following a pōwhiri and the gift of pounamu from Ngāti Waewae, a surprise Crusaders’ haka led by Taha Kemara raised the roof.
The Waratahs were first to get points on the board at the new stadium with an early penalty, but the Crusaders put down the first try.
With the Crusaders just ahead 14-13 at half time, Christchurch rapper Scribe took to the field.
“Congratulations Christchurch, you did it!” he told the home crowd, before launching into his super hit ‘Not Many’ to the delight of the crowd.
They were even more delighted when the final whistle left the Crusaders victorious.
Catherine Russ, enjoying the game with her husband and sons, described the stadium as “amazing” and “incredible”.
“These boys will be telling their grandchildren that they were at the first game ever.”
Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley said more than 14,000 people had travelled to Christchurch for Super Round, injecting over $6 million of investment into the local economy for the Anzac weekend.
He described it as a pivotal moment for the city, and called for it to become an annual Christchurch event.
Saturday’s session is also sold out, with just a few hundred tickets left for Sunday as of Friday evening.
The long weekend’s events kicked of on Friday as fans wearing all colours thronged the central city, ready to watch 10 teams play five matches over three days in one stadium.
Pre-game events included player signings at Riverside Market, a fan trail with music and street performers from the Bridge of Remembrance along Cashel St to the stadium.
Meanwhile at the fan site on Oxford Tce, the crowd settled in to follow the match on the big screen.
Ben Mehrtens from Waimate was at the stadium at 3.30pm to beat the crowds after spending $700 for tickets, petrol and a hotel. Mehrtens, a distant cousin of former All Black and Crusader Andrew Mehrtens, said he’s been a fan “all his life”.
“Hopefully it's the same atmosphere as what the Jade Stadium used to be. I’m so excited to experience having a proper stadium.”
Brisbane man Peter Hollis, who flew in on a charter flight for the games, described Christchurch as beautiful city and said it was “a fantastic asset to have a stadium right in the city”.
As the 5.30pm door opening drew near, a wave of red and black marched down Cashel St towards the stadium.
“Crusaders, Crusaders, Crusaders,” chanted the mob as they inched closer.
Lichfield St bar and restaurant Dux Central, a ball’s throw from the stadium, had 1200 bookings for Friday and Saturday and was turning people away, said operations manager Ross Herrick.
“We've been waiting 10 years. The last few years have been tough for hospitality and retail and the economy in general, so the fact that this has come on budget, on time, and it's just exciting to be a part of it.”
Saturday will see the Hurricanes take on the Brumbies at 5.05pm, followed by the Blues v the Reds at 7.35pm.
There will be Anzac Day reflection with a pre-match Anzac ceremony, and St Andrew’s College Choir and NZ Army Band performing at half time.
Sunday’s matches start with the Highlanders v Moana Pasifika at 2pm then the Chiefs v Fijian Drua at 4.30pm. Entertainment includes Te Aratai College Polyfest Group, Mellow Studios, Cook Islands Christchurch Drummers, DJ and Danny-Ill, plus a Unicef fundraiser led by Dan Carter.