North Harbour Stadium
MEDIA RELEASE
Q: Who? What? Where? A: WWW.stadium.co.nz
16 December 2008
An iconic British rock band, four well-timed and priced Blues games and a world champion-filled Warriors pre-season
shoot-out against the North Queensland Cowboys headline a star-studded summertime line-up at one of the country’s most
versatile venues.
For The Who, what and where, visit www.stadium.co.nz – the website of North Harbour Stadium, Albany’s multi-purpose
arena just 10 mins from central Auckland by motorway and less by ‘The Magic Bus’ Northern Busway transport links.
From classic riffs and massive hits to dry weather thrills, the 25,000 capacity stadium has something for everyone this
summer.
Roger Daltrey, Pete Townsend and the rest of The Who will, on March 21, hit the stage previously graced by the likes of
Carlos Santana, Luciano Pavarotti and Roger Waters. There’s no substitute for the inter-generational rockers - who have
inspired U2 among others – as they return to New Zealand for the first time in 40 years at a one-off gig in Albany.
In rugby, the Auckland Blues play two pre-season matches at North Harbour Stadium, against Hurricanes [Jan 23] and
Highlanders [Feb 5] – both during the school holidays. Tickets are only $10 [adults] and children are free. It’s even
better value if you attend both games as every paid adult on Jan 23 gets free entry to the Feb 5 encounter.
In the 2009 Super 14 competition, North Harbour Stadium will host two games on rather poignant dates.
Friday the 13th of March sees the Blues face the Cheetahs from the Orange Free State province of South Africa. Given the
Shore’s large expatriate African population, the clash promises to be another bumper crowd with early bookings
recommended.
On ANZAC Day, April 25, the Blues face trans-Tasman allies the Queensland Reds, including ex-pat Daniel Braid, in a
bone-crunching battle that could be heard as far away as Gallipoli.
With the Kiwis’ rugby league World Cup triumph still fresh in the mind, the Warriors will have a pre-season hit out
against the North Queensland Cowboys on Feb 22. Tickets are only $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children
[many schools have already received free passes].
With many familiar faces among the Cowboys, including Grant Rovelli, the North Queensland side will have a warm Shore
welcome. Like many before them – England rugby, Manly league, Waitakere football and various New Zealand national teams
- choosing North Harbour Stadium as a pre-season camp and staying at the nearby Millennium Institute.
Other community or commercial events at North Harbour Stadium in early 2009 include:
· Molenberg SUB series 2009 on Feb 1
· Volunteer & Emergency Services Open Day on Feb 15
· All Ford Day on April 5 – free event for car lovers.
ENDS