AMI Stadium, a premier sports arena located in Christchurch, New Zealand functions as the city’s primary sporting venue. It has played host to numerous sporting events such as cricket, rugby union, rugby league, association football and athletics; however it is basically a cricket and rugby arena and has functioned mainly as a venue for these sports.
The AMI Stadium has probably gained most of its fame as a premier sports ground for rugby union. In Super Rugby competition it functions as the home ground of the famed Crusaders rugby team, who play the majority of their home matches at the venue. The facility will play a key role as one of the host arenas for the Rugby World Cup 2011 in which it is scheduled to host two quarter final games as well as five pool games. Additionally in the ITM Cup tournament the location operates as the home venue for the Canterbury team.
The stadium also has a proud affiliation with the sport of cricket. In fact the venue commenced its illustrious sporting history with this sport; the first sport event held at the grounds was a cricket match. Today lighting towers have been constructed at the arena, enabling day/night matches to be conducted. At the time of construction this was the first such facility in a major arena in New Zealand, and was used for the first time when England played New Zealand in 1997.
In addition to sporting events the AMI Stadium has become renowned for hosting musical concerts, with such well known names as Roger Waters, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, U2 and Billy Joel having performed here. In fact the facility with its crowd capacity of 50,000 for outdoor events has become the venue of choice for visiting musical icons.
The stadium is also an ideal location for business meetings, featuring corporate suites and function rooms which are perfect for a planning session or business lunch. Participants will enjoy breathtaking views over the sports ground and the surrounding landscape. Wedding facilities ideal for sports-loving couples are also available at the stadium.
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