More than 13,500 fans travelled to Christchurch from across New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, as well as Europe, the UK, Japan and North America, with the economic injection into the city's economy expected to well exceed the original estimate of $6 million NZD.
While local hospitality venues reported their biggest-ever trading days, staff at One New Zealand Stadium served up more than 24,000 buckets of hot chips, 16,000 burgers and hot dogs, and more than 200,000 beverages.
The action wasn't limited to the stadium, with thousands of fans visiting the Super Round Live Site in the city centre, grabbing autographs and selfies with their favourite players, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said:
"Super Round in Christchurch was a resounding success by any measure. Capacity crowds soaked up three days of world-class rugby and entertainment, with fans from near and far coming together to celebrate the very best of Super Rugby Pacific. To sell out all three days was an emphatic endorsement of the event and a credit to everyone who embraced it, from our clubs and players, to the city of Christchurch, our event partners and the supporters who helped made the weekend so memorable."
ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams said:
“The sold-out success of Super Round here in Ōtautahi Christchurch shows why the city invests in major events. The benefits to the city are more than just the 13,500 visitors, 34,000 beds nights and the $6 million of new spending they bring into the city. When the right events are secured at the right time, they reshape perceptions, accelerate investment and build long-term confidence in the city."
Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said:
“We could not have asked for a better way to open One New Zealand Stadium. It was an emotional moment watching the sea of colour with fans in jerseys from across the competition fill the stands for the first time. The passion, energy and volume of the crowd over the three days was something special. Our city has been through more than any city should and has waited a long time for a world class venue. Super Round provided a fitting celebration to not only introduce the stadium to Waitaha, Canterbury but to the rest of New Zealand, Australia and the world.”
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said:
"I don’t think anyone can deny how much of a success this weekend has been. Seeing the city come alive, the buzz of the fans lining the streets and the atmosphere inside the new stadium was just magic. It’s reminded us how much joy people get from coming together, watching some great games of Super Rugby, and celebrating not only our great game, but a special night for the people of Christchurch.”
ENDS.