Yesterday ( 23rd Jan 2010) despite the showers and an unseasonbly cool summer Saturday, Cantabrians turned out to check out, and welcome the new Deans Stand. Redevelopment of the AMI stadium, home of the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby and cricket, was completed late last year – slightly ahead of schedule – so Christchurch is the first city to have it’s staduim ready for the the RWC 2011. ( Seems Rugby League and Soccer -football in the nthn hemisphere – will play here too soon.)
The 13,523-seat Deans Stand, with a 32-metre-long roof and standing 33m high, gives the stadium a permanent capacity of 38,628: temporary seating for the World Cup raises it to 45,000. See what TV1 and TV3 have to say about it.
Cantabrians are known in New Zealand as being one-eyed as we support our local team no matter what! Of course that is very easy — after all we supply many players to the All Blacks, and our number 7 (Ritchie McCaw) is the world’s number 1!
- We locals have lots of other players to be proud of .. . see more here.
- And, just for the girls ( or rugby beginners) check out the Girls Guide to Rugby)
Magdalena Schoeman, Miss World NZ 2009, who will represent NZ at the Miss World finals in Jo’burg SA was among the visitors at AMI Stadium – appropriately wearing the fashionable rugby girl label.
Kiwi Travel Writer talks food, travel, and tips 
Oh dear oh dear – not soccer! not Aussie rules! But RUGBY FOOTBALL! ..
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Hi Heather
It gives me “goosebumps” just looking at your photos, reminds me of summer days back in the U.K.!!.
Is the stadium for Aussie rules football, or Western style soccer?.
Best Wishes
Kevin
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