One New Zealand Stadium's Community Open Day will run from 10am to 4pm, giving residents their first chance to explore the new 30,000 multi-use arena following the Super Rugby Pacific Super Round from April 24-26.
Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said: "We know this place means so much to so many people, so we want as many members of the community as possible to walk through the gates and experience first-hand this remarkable facility."
Christchurch City Council’s Te Kaha project delivery team has worked with BESIX Watpac to build the fully covered arena. The construction started about four years ago in April 2022 and will be finished on time and within budget next month.
The demand for seats at the stadium's upcoming events is high. On Wednesday, nearly all of the 30,000 tickets to the All Blacks' opening Nations Championship test against France on July 4 sold out. All Black.com reported a limited number of hospitality packages were available on Thursday and a small allocation of tickets may be released closer to the test match kicking off.
Ten Super Rugby Pacific teams will also descend on the stadium for five high-stakes matches in the Super Round from April 24-26.
Several high-profile concerts have already been booked at the venue. Six60 and Synthony will play the first live music set at the new stadium on May 16, while English singer Robbie Williams will bring his BRITPOP World Tour to the city on November 28 and US rock band the Foo Fighters are set to perform on January 19 next year.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger encouraged people to head along.
"This is an opportunity for people to experience the stadium and feel an immense sense of pride that this incredible piece of infrastructure belongs to our city.
"Cantabrians have had to wait a long time for a world-class stadium and One NZ Stadium will certainly be worth the wait."
The schedule also includes a series of test events targeted to specific areas of the stadium.
Harvie-Teare is confident it will be ready when the gates open for the first time.
"There has been a huge amount of planning and a strong testing period which will help us optimise the way we operate prior to the opening week, but we are also ready to be nimble and adjust across those first events to maximise the stadium experience for our guests.
Harvie-Teare said the stadium’s calendar is filling up fast with another international concert announcement imminent.
"One NZ Stadium hasn’t opened its doors yet but has more major entertainment content announced than any other Stadium in the country.
"With plenty more in the pipeline and the clear demand for this outstanding venue we are confident this momentum will continue long into the future."
The stadium open day will also feature in the city's festival of architectural excellence. The Open Christchurch programme can be found here.
Said Te Pūtahi director Jessica Halliday: "We're thrilled that the One New Zealand Stadium will be part of Open Christchurch, celebrating the architecture, designers and engineering of this significant landmark for the city."
-Allied Media
