Stadium on track

Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium remains on budget and on track for an April 2026 opening.

Work started on the roof support structure in November last year, culminating with the first section of roof being installed in the south stand along Tuam Street in August 2024. Twenty-eight of the 37m tall roof supports, known as radial trusses, have now been fabricated and welded together around the seating bowl. The remaining 12 radial trusses will be installed progressively until early 2025.

Progress on the seating bowl includes the installation of 1188 concrete seating plats, L-shaped structures that form the tiered shape of the stands. Nine of 20 radial diaphragm modules (RDMs) have been installed so far. Due to their size, these structures are assembled on-site, before being lifted by crane and welded into place. The welding activities are progressing continually, requiring night shift work to be completed.

The first six oculus roof trusses have also been installed over the south stand, forming the first sections of the roof. The stadium will be a completely covered, with part of the roof made of a clear material called Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). This will let sunlight shine through from the north to support turf growth while protecting visitors from the elements.

With 30,000 seats (25,000 permanent and 5000 temporary), and 36,000 capacity for large concerts, all under the cover of a roof, One New Zealand Stadium will be the newest premier and most accessible, inclusive, sustainable and flexible venue in Aotearoa.