Alternative Wellington Stadium

coochiee

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/300994793/shane-harmon-reveals-his-true-thoughts-on-the-colour-of-sky-stadiums-seats

If you could rebuild the stadium from scratch, what is the number one thing you would change?
Probably a roof. And more to keep out the wind than the rain.

What about those yellow seats? Have you ever considered changing colour?
Not really, mainly because there are other pressing requirements that we feel we would get a better bang for our buck from. Changing the colours of the seats might make people feel better about themselves watching on TV, but it doesn’t actually bring an extra person in the stadium. We like our yellow.

Are New Zealand stadiums not too big? You might sell out a one-off All Blacks test, but it’s a different story for the Hurricanes and Phoenix...
It is challenging, because if you compare us to our closest neighbour, Australia, you’ve got state governments that are responsible for building those infrastructures. Here it’s local councils and our markets are quite small, so the facilities that are there need to cater for many, many different kinds of events. Although it’s hard to justify, I believe in most cities having multiple stadiums of different sizes for different styles of events. If we didn’t have a venue of this capacity, we would not attract Eminem, Ed Sheeran and British and Irish Lions tests. It’s a balance between the size of the market and the affordability of maintaining stadiums.

I mean they really should upgrade the Jerry Collins. Great place for a stadium 👍

Who could? To get it up to capacity facilities would cost mega millions, Porirua Coty Council wont have it, Government isnt gonna stump up and the Nix have just invested heavily un Upper Hutt. Investing in a stadium that far away from your training base seems ulikely.

WanderingSheep

coochiee

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/300994793/shane-harmon-reveals-his-true-thoughts-on-the-colour-of-sky-stadiums-seats

If you could rebuild the stadium from scratch, what is the number one thing you would change?
Probably a roof. And more to keep out the wind than the rain.

What about those yellow seats? Have you ever considered changing colour?
Not really, mainly because there are other pressing requirements that we feel we would get a better bang for our buck from. Changing the colours of the seats might make people feel better about themselves watching on TV, but it doesn’t actually bring an extra person in the stadium. We like our yellow.

Are New Zealand stadiums not too big? You might sell out a one-off All Blacks test, but it’s a different story for the Hurricanes and Phoenix...
It is challenging, because if you compare us to our closest neighbour, Australia, you’ve got state governments that are responsible for building those infrastructures. Here it’s local councils and our markets are quite small, so the facilities that are there need to cater for many, many different kinds of events. Although it’s hard to justify, I believe in most cities having multiple stadiums of different sizes for different styles of events. If we didn’t have a venue of this capacity, we would not attract Eminem, Ed Sheeran and British and Irish Lions tests. It’s a balance between the size of the market and the affordability of maintaining stadiums.

I mean they really should upgrade the Jerry Collins. Great place for a stadium 👍

Really? 
Id say the Sky Stadium is a miles better place for a stadium for all of Wellington Region. We all know the number 1 problem with the Stadium was trying to accommodate cricket. Secondly it was too big. Thirdly, it had no roof.

People that stuffed up those decisions in the first place still want to get their money back.  In 20 years time when the Sky Stadium falls down, maybe we can try again

Apologies, was very much tongue in cheek and hopeful. Mainly because i'm a ptown resident! That said, not far from the station, but it would present the same issues for others as it would for me if the stadium was in Upper Hut. Sky Stadium is perfectly located, just horrendously shaped / sized. 

Is there any chance of doing what Sydney's old ANZ Stadium used to do and organise retractable seating for its rugby/football games?

I'm not sure if the new Accor Stadium has it, but this could realistically be the only option to make Sky stadium decent for football/rugby.

WhoStoleMySock

Is there any chance of doing what Sydney's old ANZ Stadium used to do and organise retractable seating for its rugby/football games?

I'm not sure if the new Accor Stadium has it, but this could realistically be the only option to make Sky stadium decent for football/rugby.

that would be a great addition to the current Sky stadium, cost would be the major factor to being able to retro fit something like that

Best location is where current Sky Stadium is. But they made a huge mistake building another cricket stadium when we already had one at the basin reserve. But does wellington really need two major cricket venues. I'm not a cricketer so I don't know.  
Why not move cricket to sky stadium (it was built for them anyway) And turn the basin into a boutigue rectangular stadium. Controversial I know as the basin is the home of cricket apparently. (not sure why they needed another stadium if that was the case, but there you go)
I know the location is not great to get to and parking is a huge issue.
But as part of the get wellington moving agenda (if thats still happening) Get Govt and council to pitch in to pay for it. Design and use the space created beside the new rectangular basin to get more efficient transport straight through there (as part of get wellington moving). Create carparking and a public transport hub.
Could it be a win win all round paid for by govt funding. Not perfect but a compromised solution.

I'd quite prefer that we had functioning water/waste water systems in Welly, before councils spent a single $ on a stadium tbh.

Ranix

Best location is where current Sky Stadium is. But they made a huge mistake building another cricket stadium when we already had one at the basin reserve. But does wellington really need two major cricket venues. I'm not a cricketer so I don't know.  
Why not move cricket to sky stadium (it was built for them anyway) And turn the basin into a boutigue rectangular stadium. Controversial I know as the basin is the home of cricket apparently. (not sure why they needed another stadium if that was the case, but there you go)
I know the location is not great to get to and parking is a huge issue.
But as part of the get wellington moving agenda (if thats still happening) Get Govt and council to pitch in to pay for it. Design and use the space created beside the new rectangular basin to get more efficient transport straight through there (as part of get wellington moving). Create carparking and a public transport hub.
Could it be a win win all round paid for by govt funding. Not perfect but a compromised solution.

The Stadium has lights, the Basin could never get permission for lights. 

But you also have to understand that in the mid-90s when the Stadium was designed, it was considered totally reasonably that you could literally pack out the Stadium a few times a year for ODI games, and that the Basin's paltry 10K or so capacity just wouldn't cut it. (I remember going to one of those and Peter Jackson came out in the innings break and recorded the crowd chanting Orc noises for the Helms Deep scene.) I also have to reiterate that another big idea was to entice AFL games there.

theprof

WhoStoleMySock

Is there any chance of doing what Sydney's old ANZ Stadium used to do and organise retractable seating for its rugby/football games?

I'm not sure if the new Accor Stadium has it, but this could realistically be the only option to make Sky stadium decent for football/rugby.

that would be a great addition to the current Sky stadium, cost would be the major factor to being able to retro fit something like that

Doubt that you would be able to do that without knocking the whole stadium down. It wasn't really designed for major structural additions.

RR

theprof

WhoStoleMySock

Is there any chance of doing what Sydney's old ANZ Stadium used to do and organise retractable seating for its rugby/football games?

I'm not sure if the new Accor Stadium has it, but this could realistically be the only option to make Sky stadium decent for football/rugby.

that would be a great addition to the current Sky stadium, cost would be the major factor to being able to retro fit something like that

Doubt that you would be able to do that without knocking the whole stadium down. It wasn't really designed for major structural additions.

fair, such a shame that when that stadium was built there seems to have been very little future proofing built into it. Besides the lack of a roof.

RR

theprof

WhoStoleMySock

Is there any chance of doing what Sydney's old ANZ Stadium used to do and organise retractable seating for its rugby/football games?

I'm not sure if the new Accor Stadium has it, but this could realistically be the only option to make Sky stadium decent for football/rugby.

that would be a great addition to the current Sky stadium, cost would be the major factor to being able to retro fit something like that

Doubt that you would be able to do that without knocking the whole stadium down. It wasn't really designed for major structural additions.

Maybe we can hollow the stadium out, like an avocado? 😂

It was built as cheaply as possible 

Just read page 1 of this thread. Its the same as page 21 of this thread. Other than my quip about water/waste water. In fact, all 21 pages rehash the same thing.

Idea - lets spend money we don't have!
Why - was the westpac/sky stadium round

repeat.
repeat.
FOR GOD SAKES MODS TAKE CONTRSOLSS!!!!

zonknz

Just read page 1 of this thread. Its the same as page 21 of this thread. Other than my quip about water/waste water. In fact, all 21 pages rehash the same thing.

Idea - lets spend money we don't have!
Why - was the westpac/sky stadium round

repeat.
repeat.
FOR GOD SAKES MODS TAKE CONTRSOLSS!!!!

kinda just prove nothing has changed in 17 years!

zonknz

Just read page 1 of this thread. Its the same as page 21 of this thread. Other than my quip about water/waste water. In fact, all 21 pages rehash the same thing.

Idea - lets spend money we don't have!
Why - was the westpac/sky stadium round

repeat.
repeat.
FOR GOD SAKES MODS TAKE CONTRSOLSS!!!!

Looking with envy over the ditch. Where there seems to be plenty of money for building new stadiums and or upgrading existing.... 
But get your point I'd rather have clean water to drink than a new stadium.

Wonder what the expected life of the stadium is, it's almost 25 years old - a quick google shows that in the US they replace stadiums every 30 years.

are you suggesting we blow it up?

Ryan

Wonder what the expected life of the stadium is, it's almost 25 years old - a quick google shows that in the US they replace stadiums every 30 years.

It's almost 25 years old?  Fudge I'm old

Bananas

Ryan

Wonder what the expected life of the stadium is, it's almost 25 years old - a quick google shows that in the US they replace stadiums every 30 years.

It's almost 25 years old?  Fudge I'm old

You can start measuring your life in stadiums. You’re doing really well if you get to three!

reg22

are you suggesting we blow it up?

I wonder what the expected lifespan for the Stadium is? 

RR

reg22

are you suggesting we blow it up?

I wonder what the expected lifespan for the Stadium is? 

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it was expected to last 30 years before needed work, theres been some earthquake strengthening done over the years and other improvements in recent times with the facilities, but the actual structure must be close to be needing replacement or refurbishments at least.

theprof

RR

reg22

are you suggesting we blow it up?

I wonder what the expected lifespan for the Stadium is? 

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it was expected to last 30 years before needed work, theres been some earthquake strengthening done over the years and other improvements in recent times with the facilities, but the actual structure must be close to be needing replacement or refurbishments at least.

Let's fill up with 30K for each Nix game to wear the structure it down as fast as possible.

So next season once the 09 becomes "enemy territory", where will the Nix men's team take games when the RoF is unavailable? Will they all be "regional" (Napier/South Island/New Plymouth/Ring of Dirt) or is there an alternative Wellington venue? Jerry Collins seems a bit small for the men's team

Doloras

So next season once the 09 becomes "enemy territory", where will the Nix men's team take games when the RoF is unavailable? Will they all be "regional" (Napier/South Island/New Plymouth/Ring of Dirt) or is there an alternative Wellington venue? Jerry Collins seems a bit small for the men's team

No real alternative in Wellington, I expect Christchurch is the favourite but could well go regional as well.

Trust an Aucklander to consider the South Island a "region" lol

Bring games back to Forsyth Barr - just not during Uni holidays like last time.

theprof

RR

reg22

are you suggesting we blow it up?

I wonder what the expected lifespan for the Stadium is? 

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it was expected to last 30 years before needed work, theres been some earthquake strengthening done over the years and other improvements in recent times with the facilities, but the actual structure must be close to be needing replacement or refurbishments at least.

Could the fact that the stadium has had a lot less wear and tear then was expected, from significantly less sports fans then was estimated in the '90s, result in it lasting a lot longer before overhaul/replacement?

Doloras

So next season once the 09 becomes "enemy territory", where will the Nix men's team take games when the RoF is unavailable? Will they all be "regional" (Napier/South Island/New Plymouth/Ring of Dirt) or is there an alternative Wellington venue? Jerry Collins seems a bit small for the men's team

A year or two and the new Christchurch stadium will be ready.  I suspect there will be some very enticing offers made to both Phoenix and Auckland to take games there.

Walsall Boy

Doloras

So next season once the 09 becomes "enemy territory", where will the Nix men's team take games when the RoF is unavailable? Will they all be "regional" (Napier/South Island/New Plymouth/Ring of Dirt) or is there an alternative Wellington venue? Jerry Collins seems a bit small for the men's team

A year or two and the new Christchurch stadium will be ready.  I suspect there will be some very enticing offers made to both Phoenix and Auckland to take games there.

Wow, imagining the Nix and the Foley Franchise competing for the affections of the South Island

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Walsall Boy

Doloras

So next season once the 09 becomes "enemy territory", where will the Nix men's team take games when the RoF is unavailable? Will they all be "regional" (Napier/South Island/New Plymouth/Ring of Dirt) or is there an alternative Wellington venue? Jerry Collins seems a bit small for the men's team

A year or two and the new Christchurch stadium will be ready.  I suspect there will be some very enticing offers made to both Phoenix and Auckland to take games there.

Strong Cantab contingent at the Nix currently. Surman & Luke Supyk in the men's squad. And at least 5-6 in the ALW side originally from Canterbury. 

New flash stadium won't be ready until 2027, so it may have to be some games at the Addington scaffolding next season. At least you are close to the action there.

coochiee

Walsall Boy

Doloras

So next season once the 09 becomes "enemy territory", where will the Nix men's team take games when the RoF is unavailable? Will they all be "regional" (Napier/South Island/New Plymouth/Ring of Dirt) or is there an alternative Wellington venue? Jerry Collins seems a bit small for the men's team

A year or two and the new Christchurch stadium will be ready.  I suspect there will be some very enticing offers made to both Phoenix and Auckland to take games there.

Strong Cantab contingent at the Nix currently. Surman & Luke Supyk in the men's squad. And at least 5-6 in the ALW side originally from Canterbury. 

New flash stadium won't be ready until 2027, so it may have to be some games at the Addington scaffolding next season. At least you are close to the action there.

Stadium is due to be complete mid 2026. The Warriors have already announced they will take a game there in 2026 (the 3rd year of a 3 year Christchurch deal).
It could well be that it wouldnt be until 2027 that the Nix play there, but could be at the start of the 26/27 season.

just heard this on the radio, Sky might only be used for cricket, nix and super rugby games. If Jerry Collins stadium gets an upgrade by the PCC then we could see more sports move out that way.

Ranix

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The rugby boofheads finally seeing sense. Risks becoming a pretty big white (yellow?) elephant if all their tenants are looking at moving base. 

The writing is surely on the wall for Sky Stadium now, even if they probably weren't too concerned with the WahiNix moving out and testing the waters in Porirua. But now with domestic rugby going the same route there will be some serious alarm bells ringing.

Hope this inspires someone to dig deep into their pockets and build a stand at the NZCIS, so that can be looked at as an option as well. 

People need to be careful about hoping fotr the demise of Sky Stadium that happens and Wellington can kiss goodbye to hosting any larger fixtures including Finals games. Surprised about Rugby going out there would have thought even at what 1900 was a bit small for them.
Hopefully two things happen Sky rethinks their configuration and as RR says something is done at NZCIS. despite people moaning about travel to it think it could be a great venue  with relatively easy access and Brewtown close by 

ballane

People need to be careful about hoping fotr the demise of Sky Stadium that happens and Wellington can kiss goodbye to hosting any larger fixtures including Finals games. Surprised about Rugby going out there would have thought even at what 1900 was a bit small for them.
Hopefully two things happen Sky rethinks their configuration and as RR says something is done at NZCIS. despite people moaning about travel to it think it could be a great venue  with relatively easy access and Brewtown close by 

Wellington NPC crowds regular season have been below a 1,000 so makes sense to go to Porirua. Sky being a rectangle might drag in slightly higher crowds, but NPC crowds in the big centres have been dropping for a long time. Basically the punters are saying there is an overkill of the rugby product, and they'd rather save their dollars & time for higher quality stuff like ABs tests & Super Rugby. Canterbury took a game to Rangiora and drew a bigger crowd than normally at Addington. Players raved about the better game day atmosphere. So this may become the norm in the NPC, big provinces taking games to smaller towns/stadiums.

But yeah an upgraded Jerry Collins to say 5-6K capacity, and the Nix may well look seriously at taking both the ALM & ALW teams there. The Roar moved to the smaller Redcliffe Dolphins stadium for a few seasons, though see they are back at Suncorp now.

I'd say it will be a minimum another 20 years before there is any thought to rebuilding Sky (with a rectangle hopefully). The old Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) only lasted 30 years (built 1988 & demolished 2018), but was a very controversial decision to knock it over and rebuild. And the NSW/Aus Govts have more wealth than WCC & NZ Govt.

Last year average NPC attendance for paying customers (i.e. not those on complementary tickets) was around 2000. That includes finals matches so regular season attendance presumably closer to 1000 everywhere. The cost of running games at big stadiums was in the hundreds of thousands. Makes complete sense they would go to smaller venues. 

Perhaps the New Stadium Trust Chairman will see the light and sort that crappy stadium out. We've been shouting out the issues for many years but the arrogant pricks sitting on that Trust don't give a shark so long as their Corporate box doesn't run out of Food, Booze and their own Car Parks are guaranteed. The PRICING for the fans and the PRICING they charge the Nix and others to have games there is ridiculous.

Ranix

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It begins 😈

Honestly, it seemed like such a lovely venue on TV for the women's match. If they added 3 more stands, we could have ourselves the boutique stadium we always wanted.