The Populous designed One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will make its debut today Friday 24 April 2026 when the Crusaders host the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round.

The Ōtautahi Christchurch stadium has been 14 years and NZ$683 million in the making and has been widely praised for its spectator-centric design when it was officially opened by Mayor Phil Mauger and Prime Minster Christopher Luxon on 27 March.

The city of Christchurch, the Crusaders and Super Rugby Pacific have joined forces to bring Super Round to Christchurch in 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in Aotearoa New Zealand and the first major sporting event at the brand new One New Zealand at Te Kaha Stadium.

Global architecture firm Populous and New Zealand-based architects Warren and Mahoney (WAM) led the design of the state-of-the-art venue, bringing expertise in international stadium design to ensure a fan experience that rivals any other venue across the world.  The world-class multi-use stadium construction was led by contractor BESIX Watpac.

To further enhance the event day experience, the seating bowl has been designed to maximise the atmosphere by bringing fans close to the action in a coliseum-like experience. Spectator comfort has been prioritised through the design of a permanently fixed roof, so the venue can be used throughout the year, in all weather conditions.

Super Round 2026 will run from Friday 24 April to Sunday 26 April, combining world-class rugby with live music and family-friendly fun as fans from across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and the Pacific come together to celebrate a historic festival of footy in Christchurch.