Local businesses tentatively excited for new stadium opening

Venues Ōtautahi, the city council’s venue management business, forecasted the boost early last year. It manages the new stadium, plus five other major Christchurch venues, including Wolfbrook Arena.

Chief Executive, Caroline Harvie-Teare, said most of that forecast comes from “people visiting the city.”

“What we procure locally and the staff that we employ from the local region…all of those things add up to a really material impact.”

She said they also project the number of guests through their venue portfolio to increase by 500,000, bringing their total to 1.2 million a year.

Operations Manager at Scoundrel Bar and Eatery, located 700 metres from the new stadium, said business costs have been tricky to balance.

“We’ve actually been quite lucky here. But, you know, rising cost of labour and all the kinds of obligations that come with that.

“Sick pay and holiday pay and things like that, it all just adds up. I mean, you have to have great people to run a business.”

“Luckily for us, lots of people cut that luxury cup of coffee in the morning absolutely last”, she said.

She hopes it “marks the start of a period of growth for the city.”

“Everybody is a little bit hesitant to get too excited about anything, just in case anything goes wrong.

“But I think largely, we can't see how it could possibly have a negative impact”

Harvie-Teare said more people will come thanks to the multi-functionality of the stadium.

“A lot of the businesses in the city, retailers, hospitality, have stayed or have invested in new facilities because the stadium's going to be there." 

Canterbury has not had a proper stadium since Lancaster Park was damaged in the 2011 earthquakes. The current Apollo Projects stadium was only intended to be temporary, but it will soon retire after nearly 15 years of use.

The stadium has a capacity of 30,000 for on-field sporting events, and more than 36,000 for concerts. Apollo Project's capacity is 18,000.  

The ANZAC weekend Super Round will be the opening event.

Crusaders CEO, Colin Mansbridge, said the event celebrates the stadium coming to life and was “bigger than rugby.”

“I’m stoked that the new stadium is going to host rugby, concerts, and an amazing array of community events – but there’s no better way to kick it off than recognise the DNA of this region and start with the Super Round hosted by Super Rugby Pacific and the very grateful Crusaders club.”

Atlas Quarter resident, Mark Darbyshire, is looking forward to the atmosphere it will bring.

“The city centre is going to succeed if we have a lot of people from a lot of types. So, if we have heaps of residents and heaps of guests, that’s going to result in a lot more businesses opening up, and it’s going to mean that we, who are living here, have a much more exciting time.

“Be able to go for cocktails at more places.”

Cohen said Scoundrel had a big clientele of sporting fans and hinted at what may be in store for them come April. 

“Hopefully, the idea of beers and tacos, pre- or postgame, is going to suit everyone,” she said.