Apollo Projects Stadium (NZ)
Apollo Projects Stadium (previously known as Orangetheory Stadium) is a rectangular sports stadium located in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. Non-commercially known as Christchurch Stadium, it was built as a temporary venue at Rugby League Park to accommodate major sporting events following the Christchurch earthquakes in early 2011 which forced the closure of the 43,000-seat Lancaster Park due to significant damage. The venue was completed in March 2012 playing host to Canterbury Crusaders home games in the Super Rugby competition. The venue had previously hosted International Rugby League matches including World Cup matches between 1975 and 1991, however in recent times no major events had been held there. The 2011 Christchurch earthquakes caused damage to the grandstands and as a result the venue was closed.
The stadium includes two main grandstands and total seating for 18,600 including over 8,000 undercover. Additional temporary seating will have the ability to increase seating to around 25,000. It also features corporate facilities and TV-standard lighting. It is expected to host events for up to six years while a new permanent venue is built, whether that is major repair works at AMI Stadium or a brand new venue. As well as Crusaders games, Christchurch Stadium is expected to host Rugby Union Internationals featuring the All-Blacks as well as some Wellington Phoenix football games. Insurance company AMI, who held the naming rights at the damaged stadium, also purchased the naming rights to the temporary venue, however the stadium has reverted to its non-commercial name as of 2019. As of June 10, the venue's name changed from AMI Stadium to Orangetheory Stadium following a new naming-rights deal with the fast growing exercise franchise. As of August 2023, the venue is now known as Apollo Projects Stadium following a new naming-rights partnership.
Apollo Projects Stadium (NZ) Details
Rugby League Park
AMI Stadium
Christchurch Stadium
Orangetheory Stadium
Rugby League
Football