New Christchurch stadium’s opening: Thousands gather for first game at $683 million venue

There was a sea of black and red as local supporters turned out for the big event.

The Crusaders fan train from Rolleston was sold out before the game, with 196 people heading into the city.

Rail Minister Winston Peters was among the crowd.

Former Crusaders and All Blacks captain Kieran Read led a fan hīkoi to the stadium.

Crusaders alumni, non-playing players and members met at 5.30pm at the Bridge of Remembrance before the hīkoi.

They brought a special Crusaders pounamu to the stadium to commemorate the opening.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his wife Amanda were also in attendance, the pair posed for a photo from a corporate box wearing their supporter gear.

“Massive weekend for Christchurch and Cantabrians with the launch of the brand new stadium,” he captioned the photo.

“Absolutely pumped to be here for it. Go the Crusaders!”

Fans were eager to finally get a peek inside the $683 million venue, which features more than a dozen of Christchurch’s favourite food outlets.

On the menu at the stadium for opening night was a special double-fried steak and cheese pie sandwich for $17, made by the team at local fine dining restaurant Inati.

Next month, music fans will get their taste as the stadium plays host to Six60.

British pop superstar Robbie Williams is scheduled to be the first international act to play at the stadium in November and rock legends Foo Fighters follow in January next year.

Construction on the stadium began in April 2022, making it the largest project undertaken by Christchurch City Council.

About 4000 people contributed to the build, delivering approximately 2.4 million work hours.

The venue has four changing rooms and dedicated warm-up areas, 23 private suites and a function space capable of hosting up to 900 people.

Spectators get uninterrupted views of the field throughout the stadium.

Food options will be another major drawcard, with vendors including Bacon Brothers, Black Burger, Pedro’s, Smokey T’s, Sheffield Pie Shop and Fush operating across 32 food and beverage stands.

Attention to detail has extended to the playing surface, with the turf grown on the outskirts of Christchurch using a specialised seed blend.

Local visual artist and designer Morgan Darlison has contributed a range of artworks that feature throughout the stadium and surrounding Te Kaharoa precinct.

However, one long-standing Crusaders match day tradition will be absent.

The Crusaders have confirmed their ceremonial horses, which have led the team out at home games since 1996, will not feature at the new venue because of safety concerns.

Chief executive Colin Mansbridge said the decision had been difficult but necessary.

“This is a decision that really hurts because the horses have been part of who we are from the very beginning, and we know how much they mean to our fans,” he said.

“With limited space around the field, the six horses would not have been able to avoid the playing surface, compromising their own safety, the condition of the turf and creating potential injury risks for players and others in the venue.”

Mansbridge said the move into the new stadium marked the beginning of a new era for the club, while acknowledging the legacy of the horses.

“We’re incredibly proud of the traditions that have shaped the Crusaders, and the horses will always be a special part of our story,” he said.

“While this decision will take time to sink in, when the time is right, we’ll engage our community on what a new ritual could look like.”