Christchurch’s Te Kaha stadium will be holding its first event this weekend, hosting Super Rugby’s Super Round.
The Crusaders will kick off for the first time at their new home tonight when they take on the Waratahs in front of a sold-out crowd.
Canterbury-born rapper Scribe will be performing at halftime.
Fully-roofed, with a capacity of 25,000 permanent seats, the completion of Te Kaha means the last anchor project of Christchurch’s rebuild is finally complete.
Speaking to Breakfast, the project’s design lead, Andrew Rieper, said today was his first time inside the completed stadium.
“Seeing it in the flesh is pretty special,” he said.
“Christchurch has been waiting for this for 15 years now, and finally it’s come to town.
“Having spent five years of my life on it, finally seeing it culminate in something like this is awesome.”
Injured Crusaders fullback Will Jordan described the stadium as "pretty flash".
"I think it almost hasn't hit home yet that this is our new home."
He said a sold-out crowd would "really get us in the feels".
The ribbon was cut and the new Te Kaha Stadium officially opened with a conversion knocked cleanly through the posts. (Source: 1News)
Christchurch’s old stadium, Lancaster Park, was demolished after sustaining irreparable damage following the 2011 earthquake.
Much of the city was damaged by the quake, and 185 people were killed.
Former earthquake recovery minister Gerry Brownlee said he was feeling “quite a bit of pride”.
“Tens of thousands of people who were involved in everything to do with recovery so far can see the completion of the anchor projects, the completion of the plan,” he said.
“What a great result, and that’s entirely due to the work that so many people have put into it. “
Local businesses were also preparing for an increase in business alongside the stadium’s opening.
“It’s so great for us, and it’s so great for Christchurch. We’ve waited a long time; it’s been a long, hard road to get here,” restaurant owner Richard Sinke said about his pub Dux Central.
“We’ve had so many bookings”
A bakery owner told 1News that more people were coming into the store ahead of the stadium’s opening.
Business Canterbury chief executive Leeann Watson said the stadium would put Christchurch “back on the world stage”.
“I think it’s definitely a stadium for New Zealand, but I won’t lose sight of the fact that Cantabrians have been waiting for this for a long time.”
More major events at the ground have also been announced, including concerts by the Foo Fighters and Robbie Williams.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including US forces seize another vessel, and what’s unusual about this Anzac Day. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME