Stadium Christchurch ready for RWC 2011

[Thequeerone]

* $60 million upgrade boosts capacity to nearly 40,000
* Stage set for seven Rugby World Cup 2011 matches
* Naming of new Deans Stand reflects ground's rich Rugby history

Stadium Christchurch today celebrated the completion of its $60 million redevelopment, making it New Zealand's second largest sporting venue.

A dawn blessing, attended by Prime Minister the Hon. John Key and other dignitaries, marked the official re-opening of the new-look stadium. The new 13,000 seat Deans Stand is the centrepiece of the redevelopment which includes a number of other improvements including an internal concourse linking all sections of the stadium.

The refurbished stadium will host five pool matches and two quarter-final matches for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).


http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/destina...ready+rwc+2011

[andrewM]

Lets look up the RWC match schedule, how deliciously ironic would it be if the Wallabies kicked the All Blacks out of the finals with our Beloved Coach sitting in his namesake stand?

[andrewM]

For $60 million - maybe we should get these guys to come and do the design for NIB!

[brokendown gunfighter]

how about a new rectangular stadium on the new foreshore development

we could sneak it in without anyone knowing

[travelling_gerry]

Hope its still standing

[Batto]

Hope its still standing

Not looking good over there with all these earthquakes !

[Thequeerone]

What a horrible year for the New Zealanders - almost feel the country deserves to win the World Cup just to cheer themselves up ... NAH

Christchurch homes and buildings look destroyed they are waiting for more after shocks
even the hospital has evacuated as it is dangerous state they say there are a large number of deaths

[shasta]

The live feed on Sky news is riveting stuff. People being dragged from the rubble. Many still trapped. One rescuer I saw must have been completely charged with adrenalin. Lifting large segments of broken concrete beam and dragging a woman out, covered from head to toe in concrete dust. Very disturbing scenes. Apparently entire suburbs are unliveable.

[The EnForcer]

It's shocking!!!!

[antiussentiment]

how about a new rectangular stadium on the new foreshore development

we could sneak it in without anyone knowing

or we could can the whole foreshore palava and redirect the money in to a few health and education services..

or hell... keep the grain rail network maintained (me thinks the st govt has shares in a road paving company).

we have nearly half a billion for a pretty foreshore (that i think is fine as it is) and our govt has a list of things as long as a squids arm it claims it can't afford!!

speaking of railways, how are you folk in ellenbrook getting on?

oh and yes my thoughts are with the dreaded red and black. hopefully it's better than it looks.

[brokendown gunfighter]

has the stadium been damaged?
will the crusaders play this week?
will RWC games be played there?
how much accommodation will be available in Christchurch?

In the scheme of things,these are minor considerations,considering what has happened,but it will be interesting to see what transpires

[andrewM]

It is such a beautiful city, and everyone I met when I went there were tops.

[The InnFORCEr]

MEDIA RELEASE
February 23, 2011
RNZ 2011 Statement on Christchurch Earthquake
Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) CEO Martin Snedden today expressed sympathy to the people of Christchurch as the city deals with the aftermath of yesterday’s devastating earthquake.
“Our thoughts are very much with the people of Christchurch during this very sad and difficult time. There are many in our broader Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) family working within the council, VBase, Canterbury Rugby Union, tourism and business organisations and other agencies who have been affected by this and we feel for them.
“It is too early to talk in any detail about implications for the Tournament in Christchurch and any assessment by us must wait while the rescue efforts take priority.
“The next step will involve our organisation leading a thorough process of assessing the city’s ability to host the seven RWC 2011 matches scheduled to take place there. This will involve an assessment of all the key RWC 2011 infrastructure of the city including the stadium, hotels, training facilities and the transport network.
“A detailed evaluation of this nature will take place as soon as is reasonably possible. We are mindful of the pressure the people of Christchurch are under right now and do not want to place any more demands on them.
“Christchurch is a proud Rugby city with a rich Rugby heritage and we know the Tournament means a lot to fans there.
“We are hopeful a clearer picture will emerge in the coming days to allow us to make the right decisions.
"There has been speculation that this tragedy puts the entire event in jeopardy or that matches will relocate to Australia. That is not the case.
“Rest assured, RWC 2011 will proceed and all matches will take place in New Zealand.”

[hertryk]

Have th4e Crusaders got a "home" game this week? If so where will it be held???

[blueandblack]

Have th4e Crusaders got a "home" game this week? If so where will it be held???

According to TWF fixtures, away to 'Canes this week, home in Saderland the next DAY. RugbyHell has their game 3 at home to the tahds on Friday March 4.