On the eve of the historic Anzac Day clash in Christchurch, the One New Zealand Warriors and Venues Ōtautahi have jointly announced an upgraded deal which will see the Warriors playing at the new One New Zealand Stadium for the next three years.
The partnership extension will result in the One New Zealand Warriors bringing a home game to New Zealand’s second largest city for at least five years.
The agreement kicked off last year with the Warriors’ clash against Canberra followed by tomorrow’s contest against Newcastle; both games sold out weeks in advance.
“When we started our partnership, we were committed to making this a long-term deal,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“This outcome is fantastic for everyone involved, for our club and our fans in the South Island as well as the city of Christchurch and the surrounding region.
“It will feel like home for us having the One New Zealand Warriors appropriately playing at a stadium bearing the name of our amazing sponsor One New Zealand.
“We’re excited knowing we will now play there for the next three years at least with a view to extending that even further.”
As well as the NRL matches against the Raiders and the Knights, the Warriors also sold out their trial against the Storm in Christchurch last year.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to be extending our long-term partnership with the One New Zealand Warriors for another three years,” said Venues Ōtautahi CEO Caroline Harvie-Teare.
“With the Warriors’ last three fixtures here in Ōtautahi selling out, we can’t wait for those passionate South Island rugby league fans to enjoy the Warriors’ three NRL games from next year under the roof at the quite aptly named One New Zealand Stadium.
“Venues Ōtautahi and the One New Zealand Warriors have a wonderful partnership. We, like most of New Zealand, are dedicated fans of the team and feel connected to everything they stand for.
“We are excited to have the One New Zealand Warriors on the incredible journey our city is on in the lead-up to the opening of One New Zealand Stadium and to be part of its future success.”
Tomorrow’s Anzac Round match will be the 10th NRL game the One New Zealand Warriors have played in Christchurch.
They’ve previously had NRL away fixtures in the city against the Sydney Tigers in 1996, the Wests Tigers in 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Sydney Roosters in 2010, Penrith in 2016 and Manly Warringah in 2018 and 2019 followed by the home games against Canberra last year and now the Knights.
They also played a Super League World Club Championship match against Warrington at Lancaster Park in 1997.
