Grandstand Takes Shape on Kerikeri Domain

Posted 26 January 2011

The stage is being readied for a super event with the construction of a 3500 seat grandstand for the Blues v Hurricanes game at the Kerikeri Domain at 5pm, Friday 4 Feb. Gates open 4pm.

The grandstand is being built by Auckland specialists Acrow assisted by six workers from the Far North District Council's cycleway project who have been assigned to the construction project for a week. The workers, whose contribution to the match is being funded from the council's rugby budget, are gaining valuable experience in scaffolding which will be recognised with a basic qualification at the end of the job.

Operations manager Sue Hodge says the skills they are learning could well lead to employment in Rugby World Cup year when temporary grandstands will be needed at a number of venues. "One of Acrow's next jobs is a 20,000 seat grandstand at Eden Park for instance," she said.

The buzz is building in Kerikeri where the town is expected to take on a blue and yellow hue next week. Ticket sales are brisk and many people will want to mix with the Blues at a meet and greet at the Domain from 4.30pm to 6pm next Thursday, the night before the match. Giveaways and autographs will add to the excitement along with the presence of up to 14 current and former All Blacks who are Blues players. All children attending the game will get a Blues poster on the day. The Hurricanes are scheduled to check out the Domain at 11.45am on the day of the game.

Tickets are available from Council service centres at Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Kawakawa, Rawene and Procter Library in Kerikeri, i-SITES at Kaitaia, Opononi and Paihia and the Doubtless Bay information centre. Kerikeri bars, - The Homestead, Rock Salt and The Pioneer at Waipapa, are also selling tickets – seated grandstand $30, general admission adult $10 and child $5.

Ten corporate packages comprising food, beverages and grandstand tickets are available for purchase.

For further information, contact www.fndc.govt.nz/rugby, phone 0800 920 029, or e mail super15@fndc.govt.nz