SWIMPLEX AQUATICS
Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…
read moreDunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium will potentially claim a world-first next week it the New Zealand Government allows spectators to again attend sporting events.
With New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expected to announce on Monday whether the country will ease its Coronavirus restrictions to Level 1, there is hope fans will then be able to buy tickets for the Super Rugby Aotearoa clash between the Highlanders and the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium next Saturday (13th June).
If the easing goes ahead as of next Wednesday, the game will be the first top-class live sporting event with largely unrestricted spectator access since the Coronavirus crisis halted sporting events around the world.
Advising that there is a sense of excitement about getting fans into the Stadium, Highlanders Chief Executive Roger Clark told media this week “we could be the first live sporting event (with fans) in the world so you've got to be excited about that.
"Of course we have to wait until Monday and see what the Prime Minister says, but if we get the go-ahead, then that would be great."
"This could be a history-making, world-first event, the first of its kind since the pandemic.”
Terry Davies, Chief Executive of Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML), the company that runs Forsyth Barr Stadium and other venues in the city, told 1News “we're ready to go if the Government and the Minister of Health give us the go ahead.
“We're ready to roll. It would be amazing to see a full house. Two weeks ago, we had no-one here.”
Davies added precautions like ticket tracing are likely to be used for the first few rounds.
Last month, facing the prospect of no events being held at its venues for an extended period, DVML cut its workforce in half, disestablishing 16 of 32 total positions.
At the time, Davies told the Otago Daily Times “decisions made by the Government around restrictions on mass gatherings, the need for physical distancing and the New Zealand borders closing have had an immediate and devastating impact on DVML’s revenue.”
In addition, staff who remained employed by DVML agreed to an immediate and indefinite reduction in salary, a shorter working week and to take a period of leave.
Tickets could go on sale for the Highlanders and the Chiefs clash at 4.30pm on Monday if the easing is agreed.
Image: International rugby at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
5th June 2020 - Eden Park Chief Executive ‘thrilled’ at prospect of again welcoming fans to watch live sport
4th June 2020 - New Zealand looks for return of spectator sport from next week
3rd June 2020 - New Zealand Government moves to eliminate Coronavirus restrictions
2nd June 2020 - New Zealand Rugby announces details of new domestic competition
29th May 2020 - New Zealand Cricket advises of planned job losses
29th May 2020 - CINZ welcomes decision to allow multiple groups of 100 in New Zealand conference venues
28th May 2020 - Christchurch venue manager Vbase confirms plan to reduce permanent staff by 60%
21st May 2020 - New Zealand events bodies submit industry recovery plan to Government
20th May 2020 - New Zealand Prime Minister flags four-day working week to boost economy
20th May 2020 - Global sports sponsorship market predicted to fall by 37% this year
18th May 2020 - Taranaki Rugby Union confirms financial restructuring
17th May 2020 - New Zealand budget includes $265 million for sport and recreation
11th May 2020 - Coronavirus and financial losses push New Zealand Rugby to lay off half its staff
8th May 2020 - New Zealand Government announces framework for return of professional rugby and netball competitions
8th May 2020 - World Rugby releases guidelines for top level matches to be held in closed stadiums
1st May 2020 - Coronavirus has multi-billion dollar negative impact on global sport
14th January 2020 - Video shows renovation of Forsyth Barr Stadium’s playing surface
4th July 2019 - Dunedin City Council to undertake sports field review
25th May 2019 - Risks of local government investment in major venues highlighted in Forsyth Barr stadium study
12th March 2019 - Viagogo blamed as 200 refused entry to Dunedin concert
9th August 2018 - Forsyth Barr Stadium events contribute $55 million into the Dunedin economy
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…
read moreThe world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read moreBODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…
read moreHidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…
read moreAdvanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums. Led from Queensland, AAT has delivered aquarium projects in over 25…
read moreOtium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…
read moreAt easyemployer we've come up with a software solution that manages one of your most important, and often most costly, business resources - your staff. We are helping 100s of clients to…
read moreDeveloped in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!