‘Major announcement’ at Christchurch stadium

Monday, 11 August 2025

One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in Christchurch is due to open early 2026.

A “major announcement” is to be made today at Christchurch’s new sports stadium.

Super Rugby Pacific has invited media to One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in Ōtautahi on Monday morning with the announcement about 10am.

No other details have been provided, but the announcement also involves the Crusaders and council-owned agency ChristchurchNZ.

Last week, The Press revealed that Super Rugby Pacific officials were poised to confirm a spectacular Anzac weekend debut for Christchurch’s new roofed stadium, with the revived “super round” set to be the first major sporting event staged at the state-of-the-art facility.

Super round would see 10 of the competition’s 11 teams all gather in Christchurch for the Anzac weekend showcase and play five matches in the new venue.

Christian Lio-Willie of the Crusaders leads his team in a song after winning the Super Rugby Pacific final played between the Crusaders and the Chiefs at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch in June.

The “super round” was last held in Melbourne in 2024, but was not reinstituted this year following the withdrawal of the Rebels from the competition.

Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley teased the prospect of the super round coming to Christchurch a few months back when he revealed talks with the new Christchurch stadium were taking place.

Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare told The Press in June there was a 90-day launch event series in development for the new stadium, which would include major sporting, entertainment, community and corporate events.

The $683 million new stadium will have a seating capacity of 30,000 for sports events and can hold a minimum 36,000 spectators for large music concerts.

– Follow the announcement at thepress.co.nz