The Chiefs Rugby Club has been given the go-ahead to add 14 new corporate boxes to Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato, as the Investec Super Rugby Club looks to boost hosting capacity for its home games.
The Chiefs, a crucial stakeholder and tenant in the Council-owned venue, will fully fund the development of the Goal Line Suites at the Tristram St (eastern) end of the ground. The suites will be large enough to accommodate 20 guests, increasing the premium hosting within the stadium by 280 places.
“Although we still have some commercial and consent aspects to work through, we are confident we can deliver the Goal Line Suites to provide a premium end-of-ground viewing experience that will be the closest hosting space to the playing surface at any major stadium in New Zealand,” Chiefs Rugby Club Commercial Manager Sean Austin says.
“Located only eight metres from the stadium playing surface, guests will literally be right on top of the action. The suites will provide a high-quality hosting space, a covered viewing deck, private access gate and covered walkway, as well as their own bathroom facilities.”
The Council approved the proposal during its May meeting, and its events and venuesdivision, H3, will now work with the Chiefs on the necessary permits and consents. The intention is for the suites to be in place in time for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event in Hamilton in January 2019, subject to reaching a required number of sales of the box packages by the Chiefs.
The suites, and their supporting infrastructure will be manufactured offsite, shipped to FMG Stadium Waikato and assembled at the Goal Line Terrace (Tristram St) end of the stadium. Businesses will have the opportunity to lease their own corporate suite to host guests, stakeholders and clients at all events at FMG Stadium Waikato.
The project has been developed with the support of the Council and H3. Sean Murray, the Council’s General Manager for Venues, Tourism and Major Events, welcomed the Chiefs’ proposed investment in FMG Stadium Waikato.
“The Chiefs Rugby Club is a crucial partner for us as an anchor tenant at FMG Stadium Waikato, and this development is another fine example of rugby investing in hard assets at our venue,” – Mr Murray says.
“The club’s investment demonstrates the solidity of our partnership and the Chiefs’ desire to develop our relationship.