REDEVELOPED AMI STADIUM AND DEANS STAND OPENED
The Prime Minister, the Hon John Key and His Worship the Mayor
of Christchurch Bob Parker officially opened the redeveloped AMI
Stadium and the new Deans Stand at dawn this morning (Thursday 21
January 2010).
Today's dawn blessing was led by Ngai Tahu and Ngai Tahuriri
representatives and immediately followed by the official opening
and unveiling of the ceremonial plaque.
Vbase Chair Gill Cox says this is a momentous occasion for
Christchurch, after almost four years of planning and
construction.
"The blessing and official opening is a very proud moment for
everyone involved. More than 80 companies have been directly
involved with the project, with up to 180 people on-site each day
at the peak of construction," he says.
"The redeveloped AMI Stadium now provides our city with a
world-class international outdoor sports and entertainment venue,
which will be showcased at the Rugby World Cup in 2011."
Gill Cox says the new Deans Stand recognises not only
Canterbury's foremost family of rugby, but also the Deans family as
the founding European family of Christchurch and Canterbury.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says the redeveloped AMI Stadium
shows commitment by both the Christchurch City Council and the
Government to Rugby World Cup 2011.
"As a Council we agreed to underwrite the development to allow
it to proceed and be completed in time for Rugby World Cup 2011, a
decision fully endorsed by the Government which last year announced
funding of $15million towards the stadium.
"With the $60million redevelopment of AMI Stadium, Christchurch
now has a world-class stadium with a permanent seated capacity of
38,628, which will increase to 45,000 for Rugby World Cup 2011.
Well done to all those involved in delivering this amazing facility
to plan.
"As a city we are leading the country in having our
infrastructure ready in plenty of time for what will be one of the
biggest sporting events ever to be held in our country."
Chief Executive of Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ 2011),
Martin Snedden, says AMI Stadium is definitely "right up there" as
a venue for Rugby World Cup 2011.
"These redevelopments ensure the stadium will be a showcase
venue for Rugby World Cup 2011. The venue has a long history of
hosting top-quality events, but the upgrades will leave a lasting
legacy for New Zealand sport and the people of Canterbury to enjoy
for years to come."
Click
here to read our blog about the public open day at AMI Stadium.
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and check out itineraries designed
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