Wellington’s Hnry Stadium has officially sold out 11 days ahead of the One New Zealand Warriors’ historic Anzac Round NRL encounter with the Dolphins.
A crowd of 34,500 will set a record for the biggest attendance for a rugby league match in the Capital topping the 30,112 crowd for the Warriors’ clash against the Bulldogs at the stadium in 2013.
The monster crowd confirms Wellington’s appetite for major events and underlines the significance of bringing one of the NRL’s most meaningful fixtures to the city for a rare New Zealand staging.
The match marks only the fourth time the One New Zealand Warriors have hosted their traditional Anzac Day game in New Zealand, giving fans the opportunity to experience the momentous occasion live.
Hnry Stadium chief executive Warrick Dent said the early sell-out reflects both the importance of the occasion and Wellington’s continued rise as a major events destination.
Match: Warriors v Dolphins
Round 8 -
home Team
Warriors
3rd Position
away Team
Dolphins
12th Position
Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the Anzac Day clash for the One New Zealand Warriors against the Dolphins sell out a couple of weeks ahead of the game,” he said.
“This is a significant match for the sporting calendar, on an important day for New Zealanders, so to have it resonate with fans here in Wellington speaks volumes about hosting events in our city.”
The crowd for the match will the Warriors’ fourth biggest in New Zealand with only three matches played at Eden Park in 2011, 2012 and 2013 ranked ahead of it.
“The Anzac Round match holds real significance for our team,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“We’re proud to be part of it and to bring the One New Zealand Warriors to Wellington for such a meaningful fixture.
“Not only will it be a great game of rugby league, but the collaboration with the NZ Defence Force to honour our servicemen and women will make for an amazing occasion.
“It’s always special for us to take games around the country and connect with our fans across New Zealand. We’ve enjoyed previous visits to Wellington and are so proud to see fans turn out in force for this year’s Anzac Round fixture.”
In their last match in Wellington, the Warriors marked their post-Covid homecoming campaign with a win over Newcastle in the opening round of the season.
The Anzac Round has become a key occasion on the rugby league calendar, reflecting the shared history between New Zealand and Australia and bringing a trans-Tasman rivalry to life in front of passionate crowds.
The sold-out clash at Hnry Stadium forms part of a packed April for Wellington, with the city set to buzz across the Anzac long weekend as fans, visitors and locals fill the capital for sport, entertainment and hospitality.
Wellington NZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw said the double sell-out of the Warriors’ Anzac Day match and last weekend’s ULTRA New Zealand shows strong demand for attending events in the capital.
“Having two weekends of sold-out events attracting more than 20,000 people each in a single month is a powerful statement about the vibrancy of our city,” he said.
“The buzz these events create is felt everywhere - from packed hotels and bustling cafés to busy retail stores - with strong local turnout as well as visitors from out of region.
“This level of activity delivers a real economic boost for our hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors, while reinforcing our city’s reputation as a destination that knows how to host fantastic events. I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy all the city has to offer.”
Kick-off for the Anzac Day clash is scheduled for 8:05pm, with fans encouraged to arrive early and be part of what promises to be a memorable occasion.
