All Blacks Test match venues (upcoming fixtures)
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@stargazer said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
This seemed the best thread to post this.
Invercargill sets its heart on ABs test
A bold bid to bring an All Blacks test match to Invercargill in 2020 is brewing. Various Southland leaders have been investigating what it would take to secure a first All Blacks test at Rugby Park in Invercargill. It is understood a test against Scotland or Argentina in 2020 is viewed as a possibility for Southland. Argentina played at Rugby Park in 2011 when it took on Romania as part of the Rugby World Cup.The All Blacks test schedule has grown over the years, which has prompted New Zealand Rugby to look outside the bigger centres when allocating home test matches. New Plymouth has previously hosted All Blacks tests and this year the All Blacks will play Argentina in Nelson as part of the Rugby Championship.‘‘If Nelson can do it, we can do it,’’ Mr Bellew said. Temporary seating at Rugby Park could boost the ground capacity to more than 20,000, which would help ensure it was a viable prospect for New Zealand Rugby.They could combine this with a Guinness Book of Records attempt for the most mullets in one place.
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no reason why NZR shouldn't be pushing some of these tests around the provinces, many of them have had to upgrade facilities to meet standards required by NZR to host games (Lions, Super Rugby, RWC etc - not that this is a bad thing) so when it comes to the provinces, it shouldn't come down to bums on seats. for being able to hos some of these matches.
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It does come down to bums on seats for NZR to generate revenue.
The first AB test of the year, usually against a Pacific Island team, was always a good opportunity to play a game in the provinces. But NZR have done away with this game so that's one less test match to allocate away from Auckland and Wellington. Christchurch won't be getting tests until a new stadium is built and Hamilton hasn't hosted a test match since 2016 when we used to get a tier 2 test each season for a period.
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@stargazer I went to the first ever test in Napier vs Samoa in 1996, and then they hosted the Argentina test in 2014.
The problem now is that Auckland and Wellington seem to be guaranteed 2 test matches per year which doesn't leave many other test matches for other cities.
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isnt the extra Bledisloe where they make the extra $$$, and I thought the vast majority of the money came from TV Rights rather than the 30,000 at Hamilton or 50,000 in Auckland?
Plenty of stadiums outside the traditional centres around NZ that are up to hosting these matches, Palmy, Whangarei, Napier, Invercargill, Rotorua, Tauranga (although I've never been there and hear people moan about it?) NP (although not right now)
Fair chunk of NZR stakeholders outside Auckland and Wellington
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@taniwharugby IIRC part of the bid to host an AB test includes a fee paid to NZR so the financials need to stack up for the local councils, rugby unions etc. Nelson is relying on a number of private investors to make the test financially viable.
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@taniwharugby said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
isnt the extra Bledisloe where they make the extra $$$, and I thought the vast majority of the money came from TV Rights rather than the 30,000 at Hamilton or 50,000 in Auckland?
Plenty of stadiums outside the traditional centres around NZ that are up to hosting these matches, Palmy, Whangarei, Napier, Invercargill, Rotorua, Tauranga (although I've never been there and hear people moan about it?) NP (although not right now)
Fair chunk of NZR stakeholders outside Auckland and Wellington
NZRU income for the last 4 years. Bolded the matchday income row.
I'd say the biggest area where they leave money on the table is in their matchday income. It certainly has the most fluctuation. If you compare a Lions year to the others, but then a RWC year has the lowest as only host 2 teats (Offset by other income, IRB rwc dividend)
2016 would be a more typical year. 3 sold out June tests v Wales. Rugby Championship, plus they hosted the extra Bledisloe that year. I don't know where the 2016 Chicago test fits in, but I guess also under Matchday Income.
So, that's snapshot of their income streams the last 4 years.
Factors are:- no 30k stadium in Christchurch, more tests at provincial venues
- a Lions tour,
- big increase in TV Revenue with new deal after 2015.
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Can't believe we are giving test matches to Shit Towns of New Zealand. Communism at its worst
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@rapido I think NP was the first provincial town (I am not sure NH can be considered a provincial town) to pick up an AB test in quite a while in 2008, v Samoa.
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@taniwharugby said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@rapido I think NP was the first provincial town (I am not sure NH can be considered a provincial town) to pick up an AB test in quite a while in 2008, v Samoa.
Yeah. I would say the standard is at least 2 covered stands* down each touchline (Napier, Hamilton, New Plymouth) to be in the running to host a test match.
I am very surprised that Nelson managed to get to host this. it will be 3/4 temporary uncovered stands. I wouldn't think you can set the ticket price high enough if that is the facilities you are offering.
*Albany doesn't meet the 2 covered stands threshold, but it does have a very impressive looking hospitailty level on their one stand that I assume can generate enough revenue to make it worthwhile.
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@mariner4life said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
Can't believe we are giving test matches to Shit Towns of New Zealand. Communism at its worst
Can't argue. Now that Nelson has a test and Invergumboot is looking to bid for one, what's to stop that absolute dump in Rotorua bidding for a game? Then Whangarei, Pukekohe and hey why not Timaru FFS. IMHO if it isn't an enclosed arena (let's say at least 75% surrounded by stands) then it shouldn't get games. I'm sure some smarty pants can pick a hole in that, but basically I think tests should be limited to Eden Park, Rugby Park (Hamilton), Westpac, FBS and dare I say it - as it's also a dump but does qualify under my loose criteria - AMI.
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@rapido said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@taniwharugby said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@rapido I think NP was the first provincial town (I am not sure NH can be considered a provincial town) to pick up an AB test in quite a while in 2008, v Samoa.
Yeah. I would say the standard is at least 2 covered stands* down each touchline (Napier, Hamilton, New Plymouth) to be in the running to host a test match.
I am very surprised that Nelson managed to get to host this. it will be 3/4 temporary uncovered stands. I wouldn't think you can set the ticket price high enough if that is the facilities you are offering.
*Albany doesn't meet the 2 covered stands threshold, but it does have a very impressive looking hospitailty level on their one stand that I assume can generate enough revenue to make it worthwhile.
My criteria goes a little further and would rule out Napier and NP probably, but not Hamilton.
Your point re Nelson is largely why I disagree with small regional grounds getting tests ie lack of international class facilities, but I'd also add in difficulty in accessing those centres, and potential lack of accommodation. If I was a touring Argentinian fan, or Scottish fan or whoever ends up playing these games, I'd be pretty disappointed with the arrangement to be fair. I imagine they might feel a lot like the B&I Lions fans - and many travelling locals - did last year when standing on a muddy bank in Rotorua in the rain, not able to get to a beer or a bite to eat all due to third world facilities.
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@shark said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@rapido said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@taniwharugby said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@rapido I think NP was the first provincial town (I am not sure NH can be considered a provincial town) to pick up an AB test in quite a while in 2008, v Samoa.
Yeah. I would say the standard is at least 2 covered stands* down each touchline (Napier, Hamilton, New Plymouth) to be in the running to host a test match.
I am very surprised that Nelson managed to get to host this. it will be 3/4 temporary uncovered stands. I wouldn't think you can set the ticket price high enough if that is the facilities you are offering.
*Albany doesn't meet the 2 covered stands threshold, but it does have a very impressive looking hospitailty level on their one stand that I assume can generate enough revenue to make it worthwhile.
My criteria goes a little further and would rule out Napier and NP probably, but not Hamilton.
Your point re Nelson is largely why I disagree with small regional grounds getting tests ie lack of international class facilities, but I'd also add in difficulty in accessing those centres, and potential lack of accommodation. If I was a touring Argentinian fan, or Scottish fan or whoever ends up playing these games, I'd be pretty disappointed with the arrangement to be fair. I imagine they might feel a lot like the B&I Lions fans - and many travelling locals - did last year when standing on a muddy bank in Rotorua in the rain, not able to get to a beer or a bite to eat all due to third world facilities.
I was at that game in Rotorua and while I was getting wet, beer and food was a doddle to get? (and I was in general admission). At least Rotorua has decent facilities outside the game in terms of hosting.
For me, the reason for having AB tests in satellite towns is more for the locals who will easily fill the stadium in those areas.
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@hooroo said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@shark said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@rapido said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@taniwharugby said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@rapido I think NP was the first provincial town (I am not sure NH can be considered a provincial town) to pick up an AB test in quite a while in 2008, v Samoa.
Yeah. I would say the standard is at least 2 covered stands* down each touchline (Napier, Hamilton, New Plymouth) to be in the running to host a test match.
I am very surprised that Nelson managed to get to host this. it will be 3/4 temporary uncovered stands. I wouldn't think you can set the ticket price high enough if that is the facilities you are offering.
*Albany doesn't meet the 2 covered stands threshold, but it does have a very impressive looking hospitailty level on their one stand that I assume can generate enough revenue to make it worthwhile.
My criteria goes a little further and would rule out Napier and NP probably, but not Hamilton.
Your point re Nelson is largely why I disagree with small regional grounds getting tests ie lack of international class facilities, but I'd also add in difficulty in accessing those centres, and potential lack of accommodation. If I was a touring Argentinian fan, or Scottish fan or whoever ends up playing these games, I'd be pretty disappointed with the arrangement to be fair. I imagine they might feel a lot like the B&I Lions fans - and many travelling locals - did last year when standing on a muddy bank in Rotorua in the rain, not able to get to a beer or a bite to eat all due to third world facilities.
I was at that game in Rotorua and while I was getting wet, beer and food was a doddle to get? (and I was in general admission). At least Rotorua has decent facilities outside the game in terms of hosting.
For me, the reason for having AB tests in satellite towns is more for the locals who will easily fill the stadium in those areas.
You were clearly in a better area than us then Hooroo. We were just behind and to the side of the concrete terraces, standing on a grassy/muddy bank. I would say outside of the stand and said terraces, this was the best place to be in terms of a view of the field. However because of the conditions, scores of people were standing on the only concreted areas available which were the concourses. This blocked access to the food and drink vans we could see in the distance, and made getting to the toilet block at the top of the bank look too difficult as well. So we went from 6 - 9.30pm without a beer or the ability to take a leek. We talked to Lions fans and overheard others talking about how crap the experience was.
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@rapido my point on NH Stadium was more it's proximity to Auckland as opposed to facilities.
IIRC the facilities NZR required (RWC & Lions) are more the Media and player facilities than covered/uncovered stands.
Part of the problem @shark alludes to is trying to get more bums on seats (or feet in the ground) to make more $$$ at the smaller grounds...alot of people at the Lions game in Whangarei were standing on the grass banks, and while it didnt rain during the game, it had done, alot in the days leading in...I had heard mixed responses from people, with the biggest complaint being the wait for the toilets.
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@shark Accommodation is also an issue for Dunners. We've looked at going to a test at FBS but buying a ticket seems to be the least of the problems. I've read stories, maybe on here, of people having to drive down from Oamaru which isn't ideal. Not a problem for the locals but for the out-of-towners?
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@shark said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@rapido said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@taniwharugby said in 2018 All Blacks Test match venues:
@rapido I think NP was the first provincial town (I am not sure NH can be considered a provincial town) to pick up an AB test in quite a while in 2008, v Samoa.
Yeah. I would say the standard is at least 2 covered stands* down each touchline (Napier, Hamilton, New Plymouth) to be in the running to host a test match.
I am very surprised that Nelson managed to get to host this. it will be 3/4 temporary uncovered stands. I wouldn't think you can set the ticket price high enough if that is the facilities you are offering.
*Albany doesn't meet the 2 covered stands threshold, but it does have a very impressive looking hospitailty level on their one stand that I assume can generate enough revenue to make it worthwhile.
My criteria goes a little further and would rule out Napier and NP probably, but not Hamilton.
If Addington and Hamilton meets your criteria then so does Napier and New Plymouth.
Of them, only Napier has covered stands around 3/4 of the ground.
