Inside access: How fans can explore Christchurch city’s world-class stadium
From changing rooms to coaches’ boxes, fans are set to be able to explore the back-of-house areas of Christchurch’s brand-new One New Zealand Stadium with the launch of stadium tours next month.
Venues Ōtautahi confirmed today that the ticketed tours will start on July 24, allowing guests to explore parts of the stadium which have so far remained exclusive to players, entertainers and officials.
The Christchurch City Council-owned venues and events company will host multiple tours each week, including visits to the media and coaches’ spaces, suites, changing rooms, players’ tunnel and field side on the ground floor.
Tickets for public tours are on sale now. Photo / Alyse Wright
The tours also include interactive elements in the changing rooms and exclusive souvenirs.
Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said the stadium has had “a whirlwind start”, selling out its first seven event days and then setting a new attendance record for a women’s domestic rugby match last weekend.
“It has been incredible the way the city has got behind every event at the stadium,” she said.
Caroline Harvie-Teare says the One NZ Stadium has had a "whirlwind start".
“Our city waited a long time for a world-class venue like this one, and we are so incredibly grateful the community have turned up in force for every event.
“Now that we’ve had an opportunity to get established at the venue, the timing is right to launch the tours programme and take guests behind the scenes into the exclusive spaces which only a small number of people get to see.”
Christchurch city residents are eligible for a 50% discount on tours.
“We are privileged to operate the stadium on behalf of our community, the ratepayers of Ōtautahi Christchurch, so it’s important these tickets are accessible to all,” Harvie-Teare said.
The Crusaders horses parade before kickoff at One NZ Stadium. Photo / Photosport
Since the stadium opened, a private tour programme has been running.
Todd Schmidt, Venues Ōtautahi director of impact and experience, said the feedback from people who have been on those tours had been “incredible”.
“The stadium is a stunning piece of architecture, but it’s the stories behind each feature of the venue that surprise people the most,” he said.
“Our tours are about taking guests on a journey through what it took for us to get this stadium, the cultural narrative or the designs and artwork, the science of the turf, and some insight into what it takes to operate a world-class facility.”
Stadium tours can be booked through the One NZ website. Photo / Alyse Wright
Private tours are available for groups or businesses with more than 10 people and include optional food and beverage packages.
Public tours can be booked now on the One New Zealand Stadium website.
Tickets are $20 for children under 15 and $40 for adults.
For locals – with proof of residence – the price is $10 and $20, respectively.
Access to the venue and the tour route is all-inclusive of mobility devices – with flat surfaces and lifts between levels.
Punters fill the concourse at One NZ Stadium. Photo / Alyse Wright
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