Super Round exceeds all expectations for Christchurch

The economic impact report shows the sold-out Super Rugby Pacific Super Round has beaten all forecasts and delivered strong results for Christchurch in the event’s maiden year in New Zealand.

Crowd at One New Zealand Stadium for Super Round

Christchurch's bold investment in Super Rugby Pacific Super Round pays off

Christchurch’s bold investment in bringing the inaugural New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific Super Round to the city has paid off in spectacular fashion, with economic impact reporting from Fresh Info revealing the event exceeded expectations, delivered the competition’s first-ever sellout, and further elevated Christchurch’s standing as a major events capital.

The three-day rugby festival attracted 73,187 attendees, with 42,310 of those being unique attendees, meaning people who attended more than one match were counted only once. 16,570 of the domestic attendees were from outside of Christchurch, with an additional 3,924 international visitors, including those from the USA, UK and of course Australia.

The report shows visitor spend was $13.1M, more than doubling the forecast of $6.1M. Visitor nights also exceeded expectations at more than 49,000 bed nights, outstripping the 34,000 predicted.

Super Round at One New Zealand Stadium - stadium view

"The sellout crowds, quality of rugby and atmosphere across the three days made Super Round a memorable occasion for fans and teams alike. What the report shows is that the impact extended well beyond the stadium. More than 16,500 domestic visitors travelled to Christchurch for the event, far exceeding expectations and driving more than $13 million in visitor spend. It's a great demonstration of how rugby can bring people together and create real value for the communities that host our biggest events,”

Jack Mesley - Super Rugby Pacific CEO

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said bringing Super Round to Christchurch was a fitting celebration of the city’s deep connection to rugby.

"I don't think anyone who was there will forget the weekend in a hurry. We saw packed stands, great rugby and a city that came alive around the event. As proud Cantabrians, it was incredibly special to welcome Super Round to rugby heartland and to see fans experience our new home at One New Zealand Stadium for the first time. It felt like more than just a rugby event, it was a milestone moment for Christchurch. These results show the impact that can be achieved when a city gets behind an event like this."

Colin Mansbridge - Crusaders CEO

Acting Mayor Victoria Henstock says the city could not have asked for a better way to open One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha.

“Super Rugby Pacific Super Round was a historic moment for Ōtautahi Christchurch with the action on the field and in the central city showcasing our home to the rest of the country and the world.” “Bringing the city to life for this event included 10 team signings, live site activations and the Fan Trail to the stadium which demonstrated the city’s ability to provide a real festival atmosphere. Our rebuilt and revitalised vibrant city centre was made for major events like this. The city bids for events such as Super Round not just for the short-term economic stimulus but because showing the city is a vibrant, successful place helps position us for longer-term benefits such as investment and talent attraction.”

Victoria Henstock - Acting Mayor

Super Round live site - fans sitting outside The Terrace — Super Round live site

Super Rugby Pacific Super Round & Christchurch firmly in national spotlight

More than 1.2 million viewers tuning in to Sky’s live broadcasts across the week, putting Super Rugby Pacific Super Round and Christchurch firmly in the national spotlight. The standout opening night clash between the Crusaders and Waratahs became the most-watched and most engaging match of the entire regular season across all Sky platforms, while broadcast commentary captured the significance of the moment, highlighting the new stadium, the vibrancy of the occasion, and what it represents for the city’s ongoing regeneration.

While the host for Super Round 2027 is yet to be confirmed, the success of the inaugural event has reinforced its appeal as a major sporting and economic opportunity. Discussions about the events’ future are ongoing.