With the ample space at Okara Park I hope they install temporary seating come the world cup. So with that in mind temp seating can look attractive and hopefully compliment the Okara Park Stand :)

good:
http://www.reyburnandbryant.co.nz/projects/gfx/events/3.jpg
not good:
http://www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/4756/Aerial%20view%20of%20Events%20Centre%20(400).jpg

^^^ That's pretty much how Okara Park looked before the upgrade. They've demolished the stand and terraces, they are re-building the exactly same sized stand and terraces.

(this is also the case for Invercargill and Palmerston North btw)

That even looks suspiciously like they are keeping the obsolete velodrome.

good:
http://www.reyburnandbryant.co.nz/projects/gfx/events/3.jpg
not good:
http://www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/4756/Aerial%20view%20of%20Events%20Centre%20(400).jpg

Its a shame they didnt go with the first render (cost was approx $33mil) the final render is ($18mil)

(this is also the case for Invercargill and Palmerston North btw)

Can't speak for the Deep South, but FMG Stadium in Palmy has been undergoing small upgrades on practically a year on year basis. They upgraded the main stand, they purchased a state of the art new screen, they improved the turf/field, and crucially they replaced the terraces with new individual seats which now means the ground is, fairly unique for provincial NZ, an all-seater (though there is one corner thats proving problematic - I think that's where the stick they Bucketheads :cheers:). Its quite a nice little ground, albeit a provincial one.

However, they have realised that they have done almost all they can do and have stated publicly that the next step will be a new stand, to replicate the existing one, at an estimated cost of $20m. With that addition it would be an awesome little venue, very similar to Yarrow Stadium. Its only issue is, and always has been, the speedway track round the perimeter, Like Baypark. Although on TV, the distance between sideline and first row looks much greater there than at FMG.

Unfortunately, they decided not to build the new stand for RWC2011, and instead allocate funds to the indoor venues at the wider complex (like the netball centre). I have no doubt that the uncertainty around the Turbos' place in the ANZC after that event had a large part to play in that decision.

With the rising popularity of the Air New Zealand NPC, the smaller unions like Manuwatu, Northland and southland are getting bumper crowds to there games. they may in the future attract corporate investment, sponsorship to upgrade there grounds. who knows. I hope so. Thats where it all starts I guess.

I've been quilty of bashing auckland and its facilites. I guess I get fustrated because all the smaller areas look up to auckland and wish for greater grounds.

Anyway and upgrade is better then none at all. :) :)

Can't speak for the Deep South, but FMG Stadium in Palmy has been undergoing small upgrades on practically a year on year basis. They upgraded the main stand, they purchased a state of the art new screen, they improved the turf/field, and crucially they replaced the terraces with new individual seats which now means the ground is, fairly unique for provincial NZ, an all-seater (though there is one corner thats proving problematic - I think that's where the stick they Bucketheads :cheers:). Its quite a nice little ground, albeit a provincial one.

However, they have realised that they have done almost all they can do and have stated publicly that the next step will be a new stand, to replicate the existing one, at an estimated cost of $20m. With that addition it would be an awesome little venue, very similar to Yarrow Stadium. Its only issue is, and always has been, the speedway track round the perimeter, Like Baypark. Although on TV, the distance between sideline and first row looks much greater there than at FMG.

Unfortunately, they decided not to build the new stand for RWC2011, and instead allocate funds to the indoor venues at the wider complex (like the netball centre). I have no doubt that the uncertainty around the Turbos' place in the ANZC after that event had a large part to play in that decision.

My point is - they replaced the grandstand with one of the same size (but with corporate boxes), and they replaced the terraces with uncovered seating (of the same size).

In Invercargill, the stand is exactly the same shape as the old one (but with corporate boxes), and the old one was a stupid shape - it is lopsided.

Hamilton should have been the model, they kept the old granstand and built a new one on the oppositie touchline (meaning they can get another 10 or 20 years life out of the existing infrastructure).

But I concede that outside the 5 Super 14 bases there isn't much future-certainty to justify too much expense.

True. It was a refurbishment rather than an upgrade, really. But it looks alot better.

I just re-read the article. An additional stand is not on the agenda until at least 2014. And even then there is some opposition - some committee members feel a new stand on that side would be exposed to the late afternoon sun and the prevailing wind (which from memory is a westerly).

(and what's with Southland's stand not being centered alongside the pitch?)

(and what's with Southland's stand not being centered alongside the pitch?)


Rugby Park had a very old stand (looked like 1940s or 30s) which went from about the 22 to the 22, It had what looked like a 1960s extension on one side of the old stand from the 22 to the goal-line (they had entirely different roofs from a different era of arhictural technology). But notthing going down to the other goal line.

The new stand at Rugby Park has what looks like the exact same footprint.

KLK, the stand at Rugby Park is apparently not finished. It's been like that for several years. When Southland or the Highlanders play a big match (9k+ crowd) they put up this stupid temporary grandstand to fill the gap. Looks awful. At least Okara park's is symmetrical!

I think Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth looks really good and should be the model for all NZ provincial stadiums to aspire to.

@Darkhorse: That's good, but in Manawatu and Northland's case, it doesn't look like they're going to be in the Air NZ cup much longer anyway so will probably take massive crowd-number nosedives in second division. As it is, the only 'partner union' that gets much Super 14 use out of its stadium is Southland so unless the Hurricanes and Blues start playing more matches in Palmy and Whangerei the upgrades may not get to be seen in 'full bloom' which is pretty crap. Stupid NZRU...

@Darkhorse: That's good, but in Manawatu and Northland's case, it doesn't look like they're going to be in the Air NZ cup much longer anyway so will probably take massive crowd-number nosedives in second division. As it is, the only 'partner union' that gets much Super 14 use out of its stadium is Southland so unless the Hurricanes and Blues start playing more matches in Palmy and Whangerei the upgrades may not get to be seen in 'full bloom' which is pretty crap. Stupid NZRU...

Yes - its all or nothing isn't it.

The local rag is predicting a crowd well in excess of 10,000 - perhaps up to 13,000 (weather dependant) for the game in Palmy this weekend.

Can't see that many turning up for Manawatu should they play East Coast in the new second tier comp.....

Has there ever been a discussion of finishing the stand at invercargill? What is already there looks really good.
The old scoreboard needs to go too.

Yeah that whole end of the park is pretty gross, I don't know how they managed not to notice that it looked like shit while doing the upgrade. Would have cost bugger all in comparison to fix that all up as well. No idea about the stand, it was meant to be a 'stages' development, but looks like someone forget that a second stage usually comes after the first :ohno:

Does anyone know if any other venues will recieve touch ups?? (apart from the obvious Eden Park, AMI Stadium, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Northland Events Centre. Will Landsdowne, rotorua and FMG get a spruce up??

More Updated pics of Northland Events 24/8/09. Souce: Argon Construction

http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE240801B.JPG



http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE240802B.JPG



http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE240803B.JPG

Does anyone know if any other venues will recieve touch ups?? (apart from the obvious Eden Park, AMI Stadium, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Northland Events Centre. Will Landsdowne, rotorua and FMG get a spruce up??

Yarrow Stadium is
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/2353130/Yarrow-Stadium-to-get-World-Cup-facelift/

Napier is getting a new stand, while Nelson is getting an upgrade too.

I wouldn't call it an upgrade, but the RWC2011 Auckland site says North Harbour will have a capacity of 35,000 - so that means temporary stands at the ends.

Looks good for Yarrow Stadium, but this was already the best regional stadium in the country.
Still havent seen any pics of Mclean park with the new stand.

This is the only picture I've been able to locate of McLean Parks new stand. As far as I know it's atleast 2 months old so there's a chance the stand will just about be done I suppose. I'll be in Napier at christmas I would think but hopefully we find some pics before then :D

http://www.napierobmaristrugby.co.nz/images/mcleanparknew1.jpg

This is the only picture I've been able to locate of McLean Parks new stand. As far as I know it's atleast 2 months old so there's a chance the stand will just about be done I suppose. I'll be in Napier at christmas I would think but hopefully we find some pics before then :D

http://www.napierobmaristrugby.co.nz/images/mcleanparknew1.jpg

That will be a fair bit older than 2 months. The stand is completed, they are using it at the moment in the Air NZ cup. I think the official opening was for the Hawkes Bay v Auckland game in round 1.

well there you go :cheers:

Does anyone have any upto date pics of AMI stadium? Last I checked google earth (4 May 2009) and it looked bloody awesome! cant wait to see it completed. :)

it's been really hard to get pictures of the new McLean Park stand, but this is even better. This video of HBs recent smashing of Aucks in the rugger shows a lot of shots of the new stand in all its new glory. Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwxubAqvYt8

Mclean Park is looking really good as the new stand blends in well with the south stand. Bit of a shame about the nineties disater in the sw corner where nothing matches at all.

McLean Park

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l91/The_WCC/mcleanparkwwwabovehawkesbayconz_885.jpg

Mclean Park is looking really good as the new stand blends in well with the south stand. Bit of a shame about the nineties disater in the sw corner where nothing matches at all.

How can this look good? It's 4 completely different looking stands, none match and it looks half arsed life a lot stadiums in NZ.

this is NZ son, anything that doesn't have tagging on it looks great :cheers:

The most important question about the new stand at McLean Park is - will it block the view of the backyard with the trampoline?

I have memories of watching a cricket test on the telly with a 10 year old girl jumping on a trampoline in the background - which showed up in a particular close-in camera angle.




P.S. I agree that McLean Park looks awful. Reminds me of those neighbours who collect machinery and have about 7 tin & wooden sheds on their property. What a suprise.


EDIT: I've just had a look at the YouTube video, and it actually looks OK from the inside, and it looks like they have closed the gap up between the new stand and the old since the picture above was taken?

I dont know much about mclean park, but presumably the new stand in the pic above is the on on the left with that nicely built curve in the corner.

As far as regional stadium enhancements go, this enhancement is actually quite good.

Think about it... What makes the stadium ugly as such? It isn't the nice new stand, but all the old stands that were designed and built without any real forward thinking.

The new stand with curved design in the corner is indeed forward planning... Think what McLean park would look like after another two of these redevelopments where the newly built stand is extended with the same design, and curves all the way around. Now that would be a nice stadium indeed.

It isn't realistic to completely demolish and rebuild a functioning stadium, simply because it looks ugly. The best that most of NZ can do is build sections of stadium in a way that is more 'upgrade friendly' - something that I see Maclean park has done well with its recent addition... AMI/Jade/Lancaster Park on the other hand has not.

I dont know much about mclean park, but presumably the new stand in the pic above is the on on the left with that nicely built curve in the corner.

As far as regional stadium enhancements go, this enhancement is actually quite good.

Think about it... What makes the stadium ugly as such? It isn't the nice new stand, but all the old stands that were designed and built without any real forward thinking.

The new stand with curved design in the corner is indeed forward planning... Think what McLean park would look like after another two of these redevelopments where the newly built stand is extended with the same design, and curves all the way around. Now that would be a nice stadium indeed.

It isn't realistic to completely demolish and rebuild a functioning stadium, simply because it looks ugly. The best that most of NZ can do is build sections of stadium in a way that is more 'upgrade friendly' - something that I see Maclean park has done well with its recent addition... AMI/Jade/Lancaster Park on the other hand has not.

Dont you like the new deans stand thats currently being constructed? I like it, and its mirrors the paul kelly stand.

^^ No it doesn't, the Paul Kelly stand (existing) does not match the new Robbie Deans stand. They are similar, but if you were to extend either of the new stands around the back, they would not line up at all.

The Paul Kelly stand is higher at 4 tiers, (3 tiers plus corporate box tier). The Robbie Deans stand is only 3 tier total. The Paul Kelly stand is also higher overall.

The Robbie Deans stand has a larger roof covering more seating than the Paul Kelly stand whose roof only covers the top tier.

In their own right, the stands look OK, and it certainly is a vast improvement over the old stands. But the ground overall still looks a bit of a hodge-podge development.

McLean Park should have built a stand that would match up to the main grandstand on the other side of the ground. As part of an overall plan.

"What makes the stadium ugly as such? It isn't the nice new stand, but all the old stands that were designed and built without any real forward thinking.
"

You now what will happen in 10 years time? The architects who build the next stand in the next expansion of McLean Park will ignore what is already there, exactly like what they have done on this occasion.

It's "forward planning" only if we assume today is Year Zero, otherwise it's just the latest step in shit planning and aesthetic ignorance.

(also, it's made of wood. Com'n - it won't last. plus it just makes me think of the Bradford City fire)

Of course I shouldn't necesarily blame the architects. McLean Park should have an overall plan and communicate this. Instead we get something 'different' so everyone's ego is stroked.

^^ Wood? Hmmm - that sounds cheap (and yes, potentially dangerous).

Don't forget Northland Events Centre - Okara Park as of 30/11/2009

http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE301101B.JPG


http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE301102B.JPG

Does anyone have any upto date pics of AMI stadium? Last I checked google earth (4 May 2009) and it looked bloody awesome! cant wait to see it completed. :)

Lancaster Park/AMI/Jade Stadium was officially opened last week by John Keys. Below are a few pictures I took on the public open day on Saturday.


http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx326/onlyone11/Deans1.jpg
New Deans stand from corporate facilities

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx326/onlyone11/DS2.jpg
New Deans stand from pitch level

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx326/onlyone11/PK1.jpg
Paul Kelly Stand

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx326/onlyone11/PK2.jpg
Paul Kelly stand pitchside

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx326/onlyone11/HS1.jpg
Hadlee stand

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx326/onlyone11/TS1.jpg
Tui stand

It looks a bit of a mess with all those different styles and the big holes at each corner, it's not very well intergrated or designed IMO.
How difficult would it have been to make the Paul Kelly and Deans Stand mirrow images with the ability to fill in each end at a later stage to make a bowl stadium. It's just an outstanding example of the typical half arsed NZ way of doing things.

At least the folks in Wellington and Dunedin got it right, those developments prove we can do it properly when we try.

At least the folks in Wellington and Dunedin got it right, those developments prove we can do it properly when we try.

Dunedin and Hamilton did. Wellington's stadium should be a rectangle.

Wellington is a great stadium, it's just right, I foprgot Hamilton, that I also a well thought out stadium.

It looks a bit of a mess with all those different styles and the big holes at each corner, it's not very well intergrated or designed IMO.
How difficult would it have been to make the Paul Kelly and Deans Stand mirrow images with the ability to fill in each end at a later stage to make a bowl stadium. It's just an outstanding example of the typical half arsed NZ way of doing things.

At least the folks in Wellington and Dunedin got it right, those developments prove we can do it properly when we try.

There were reasons why they couldn't build the Deans stand the same height and design as the Paul Kelly stand:

1) Shadows cast over residential area across the street.

Yes, I know there isn't much difference in height and that the new stand will still create a sizeable shadow, but the fact remains that there was a defined height limit in place and duplicating the PK stand would have meant breaching that limit which would in turn have initiated the notified consent process which of course brings out the worst in people (like we've seen in Dunedin with the STS crowd). Had the council pursued replicating the PK stands height, we would likely have seen the costs soar due to the delays and court hearings and so on. From a NZ perspective, the fact that the council just accepted the height limit, redesigned the stand and then just got on with the job is actually quite remarkable.

2) IRB 'covered seating' requirements.

The IRB stipulated that there must be a specified minimum number of 'covered premium seats' to be able to host premium matches at the RWC competition. Premium seats are those that are mid-field between the 22's. Unfortunately, as large and impressive as the PK stand is, the roof actually only covers the upper bowl which I recall isn't quite enough. The larger bottom bowl is all uncovered. The Deans stand has a larger roof than the PK stand and covers the back part of the lower bowl (though probably not in a southerly!)

Now I know that a symmetrical stadium design would have been nice, but remember that Dunedin and Wellington have got really nice stadiums because the whole stadium was all built in one go and in a new more suitable location, typically industrial areas well away from complaining residents. With that advantage, you have more flexibility (and possibly better cost-wise too). Unfortunately AMI Stadium wasn't in as easy position as the others (and I don't know about Hamilton).

On the whole, no, they are not identical stands, but they are at least similar enough to each other. (Much like the new stand at the MCG in Melbourne is - which, if you hadn't noticed, isn't identical to the Great Southern stand either.)

Wellington is a great stadium, it's just right, I foprgot Hamilton, that I also a well thought out stadium.

The location of the Cake Tin is excellent. However, the crowd is too far away from the sidelines for rugby and soccer. All they needed to do was give the Basin a few upgrades over time and made Westpac Stadium rectangular. Or have retractable seating like ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Plus the PK stand is crap. Why would you want to replicate that on the other side? The mistake was made 5 years ago when the built that windswept stand with a token roof.

This looks incredibly like North Harbour Stadium but with a 35,000 capacity.

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/6448/estadionacionaleu5.jpg

http://thecostaricanews.com/travel-and-leisure/costa-rica-national-stadium-on-schedule/

So I guess it's 5k at each end for the RWC huh?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Harbour_Stadium

And this is what I call responsible energy use,such a shame *tight arse mofo's* @ Govt.com failed to see any logic in such a concept.

===>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Games_Stadium

http://gemvg.com/gallery/albums/image/aerofoto/200808/kaohsiungWorldGameStadium.jpg

Why would NZ want stadiums with Athletics tracks?

Not a stadium, but Auckland's 'wanna be' 10,000 seat concert venue is no more :banana:

Supertop goes under hammer

22/02/2010 13:56:02

An iconic piece of New Zealand entertainment history is going under the hammer in Auckland this week.

The Mt Smart Supertop which consists of a 130 metre long, 57 metre wide PVC tent, is being auctioned by Turners at no reserve.

Owner Ray Channon's land hire agreement with the Auckland Regional Council has come to an end. Mr Channon says the massive tent has hosted the likes of MC Hammer, Pearl Jam, Guns n' Roses and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

"Well it's just something that's grown on us over the years and it's served its purpose, now the Vector centre has come, its use is a bit more limited."

Mr Channon estimates the cost to replace the Supertop is more than a million dollars, but says it is anyone's guess what it will sell for. He says like any of these sorts of things the value is only in the eyes of the person who wants it.

Lighting and sound equipment, a 60-foot telescopic hydraulic tower and a transportable concert stage, will also be up for auction alongside the tent.

OMG!! The Supertop sold for $10!!

http://libel.co.nz/blog_posts/789-mt_smart_supertop_sells_for_just_10_

March 9 Update

http://www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/6489/tc_Northland%20Events%20Centre%20(12%20Jan%202010).jpg


http://www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/6489/td_Northland%20Events%20Centre%20-%20from%20embankment%20(9%20Mar%202010).jpg


http://www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/6489/tc_Northland%20Events%20Centre%202%20(12%20Jan%202010).jpg


http://www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/6489/td_Northland%20Events%20Centre%20-%20from%20Okara%20Dr%20(9%20Mar%202010).jpg

14 April

http://www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/6489/te_Northland%20Events%20Centre%20in%20stand%20(14%20April%202010).jpg


http://www.nrc.govt.nz/upload/6489/te_Northland%20Events%20Centre%20stand%20view%20(14%20April%202010).jpg


http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE130401B.JPG

What you think about this indoor arena in Zagreb (18 000)
It was awarded for best structural design in the world for 2009

http://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/clientUpload/images/news/main/arena%20zagreb.jpg

http://www.jutarnji.hr/multimedia/archive/00226/arena_zagreb_lanis_226842S1.jpg

What you think about this indoor arena in Zagreb (18 000)
It was awarded for best structural design in the world for 2009


great indoor stadium :) and what you think of this indoor stadium Vector Arena (12,000) http://img2.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/0702/c225c89f75baa115fddd.jpeg

That blue World Games Stadium is _epic_.

I'm interested to hear the tale of New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium, and how it came to be. It's the envy of all provincial cities. Comparing with Invercargill, they have the same population, are less successful in rugby provincially and also don't have any clout with their local Super franchise, don't have an equivalent of the ILT as far as I know (or do energy companies put a bit into the community?), yet get this amazing stadium while we have this half finished thing that still has a scoreboard from like 1980.

How do they do it?

I'm interested to hear the tale of New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium, and how it came to be. It's the envy of all provincial cities. Comparing with Invercargill, they have the same population, are less successful in rugby provincially and also don't have any clout with their local Super franchise, don't have an equivalent of the ILT as far as I know (or do energy companies put a bit into the community?), yet get this amazing stadium while we have this half finished thing that still has a scoreboard from like 1980.

How do they do it?

The New Plymouth District Council (the owners of Yarrow Stadium) made $260 million in 2004 when they sold their shares in Powerco to Australia's Prime Infrastructure Trust.

The Council set up something called the Perpetual investment Trust and have used the returns from the Trust to help build infrastructure around the region. over the past 6 years the trust has released over $100 million of its profits back to the council.

Did everyone else notice one of the seating categories in the ticket allocations for the regional stadiums? "General Admission"?

Read: Standing only.

At the grounds in Invercargill, Nelson, New Plymouth, Napier, Whangarei, and even Hamilton, there will be standing sections.

I don't really know what I think of that. It could give a unique feel both at the ground and on TV. It could also look cheap, nasty and third world for such a prominent event (though I don't actually recall seeing third world stadiums with grass banks used for international matches - its usually all-seating...)

What’s wrong with standing areas?
As long as they are purpose built terraces and not just ripping seats out to cram more people in then I don't have a problem with it
You never see standing at football games because FIFA and UEFA have some ridiculous agenda against standing room. Grass embankments are seen worldwide, just not at any major stadiums outside of NZ/Australia.

“Someone sitting down is calmer than someone standing" Sepp Blatter.
Seriously what the fuck is wrong with this guy

Well we'd only have 4 stadiums if we discounted the ones that have standing areas. Though tbh I thought New Plymouth and Hamilton had grandstands on all sides?

hmm FMG stadium in Palmy looks pretty bad too http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/oceania/new_zealand/palmerston_north_fmg1.jpg

You never see standing at football games because FIFA and UEFA have some ridiculous agenda against standing room.


Gee have you forgotten about all the deaths that happened when fans rioted in Hillborough, I believe that was the catalyst for ending standing at games, besides who the hell wants to stand up for 2 hours during a rugby or football match.

It is generally accepted that the cause of the disaster was the police and old stadiums rather than standing room; even Lord Taylor admitted that there is nothing inherently wrong with standing areas. I dare you to read the Taylor report and tell me that standing room was to blame. Both the interim and final reports are pretty easy to find online.

Though tbh I thought New Plymouth and Hamilton had grandstands on all sides?

hmm FMG stadium in Palmy looks pretty bad too http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/oceania/new_zealand/palmerston_north_fmg1.jpg

Hamilton has a small terraced area at one end, while EP has open seating at one end, and a grass embankment at the other (which I understand will be remodelled into grass terraces and bought closer to the in-goal area as part of improvements for RWC2011).

And what's wrong with Palmy? That photo of Arena Manawatu looks like its from the early 90's - extremely out of date. You can tell by the old grandstand which was redeveloped a while back

As far as regional grounds go, its one of the better ones. Other than the track, its downside is it only has one grandstand (although an excellent one) but other than that it has seating the entire perimeter of the field - no embankment or terraces whatsoever anymore. While some of the seating at the Waldegrave St end is of dubious quality, I doubt any other regional ground offers that - perhaps only Baypark.

http://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/dbimages/sfx20473.gif

It is generally accepted that the cause of the disaster was the police and old stadiums rather than standing room

The cause of the disaster was only one part of the report. It was also commissioned to recommend ways to avert similar tragedies in future.

In that regard, The Taylor Report's main recommendation was that in the interests of safety, major grounds should be all-seated - so standing allowed.

So what is unsafe about standing areas then?
From both copies of the report I have found nothing against standing areas itself, rather just issues with overcrowding and ticket forgery.
Its just tragic that people like Kiwirob are under misguided impressions with what happend in Hillsborough

So what is unsafe about standing areas then?
From both copies of the report I have found nothing against standing areas itself, rather just issues with overcrowding and ticket forgery.

I think its a chicken and egg scenario. If its 1 seat-1ticket for the entire ground, that probably limits the ability to oversell. It will become apparent very quickly if 2 tickets have been sold for the same seat at the match.

Current technology (barcoding) probably rules out fake tickets gaining entry anyway.

Its true that they said in isolation there's nothing unsafe about standing areas. Though I think there was a concern about rushing forward to the edge and crushing people - but then again that was also due to fences, which were also abolished at the recommendation of the report.

My point of view (and I think this relates to your comment about smaller grounds overseas having banks) is that during summer (or even fine winters days) people lazing out on the bank in the sun watching the football would look great. But in at night in NZ in Sept/Oct people will be shivering in beanies on what is likely dew (or worse if its rained).

Who knows - it might look nostalgic and feel-good. I hope so. I'd suggest the middle of every embankment be set aside for a stage and with small band to play during breaks. The party zone of each ground.....

I love standing at a football game, it's the best way to watch.

Doesn't need to be a huge area of the stadium, just a small amount of the ground. Standing provides both cheap tickets and it generates less passivity among those spectators.

It's all about providing options.

However I have also stood on a slippery, greasy grass bank in Rotorua during a cold June night watching the Lions play BOP. It was shit.

However I have also stood on a slippery, greasy grass bank in Rotorua during a cold June night watching the Lions play BOP. It was shit.

That's my concern. I can see it being a disaster if it rains and it will look terrible on TV.

That's my concern. I can see it being a disaster if it rains and it will look terrible on TV.

The NZ spring is normally wet, so the weather during RWC 2011 will be a worry especially for that big temp uncovered East Stand at Eden Park, Dunedin doesn't need to worry if it's Glasshouse is ready in time...lucky things:tongue:

That's my concern. I can see it being a disaster if it rains and it will look terrible on TV.

It won't look terrible if they're full. Seriously, Only Rotorua and Whangarei still have the large grass embankments that were the traditional at most provincial rugby grounds.

The game at Rotorua that I attended was packed, standing room only on the grass where I was. It looked fine, it just wore down your calf muscles contantly arresting your gradual slide.

Snow collapses part of Stadium Southland:

http://images.tvnz.co.nz/tvnz_images/news2010/stadium_180910_2.jpg

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/heavy-snow-collapses-stadium-3784835

^^ Erk. That really isn't a good advert for NZ considering how much we've been moaning about the Delhi Commonwealth Games and their build quality.

humnnn....it happens everywhere in the world...Delhi is not unique ....Delhi stadiums are of good quality...you can see the end products in the threads...Anyways Indians love New Zealand ..beautiful beautiful country ...

humnnn....it happens everywhere in the world...Delhi is not unique ....Delhi stadiums are of good quality...you can see the end products in the threads...Anyways Indians love New Zealand ..beautiful beautiful country ...

The news here has been very negative about the Commonwealth Games and NZ threatened at one point to pull all our athletes out of the Games due to "security situation" and "poor building quality" in Delhi. Of course, I don't believe for a second this is the case, it seemed almost politically motivated to be running stories like that about India.

The news networks here are terrible for international bias.

Yeah..Indian media anyways is the shitest media you'll find anywhere...they are politically biased...anyways All the venues have been completed and they are fantastic and scores high on build quality...Hope you all will like it...

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1284779855/881/4142881.jpg
http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1284780031/885/4142885.jpg


http://www.stuff.co.nz/4142886/Stadium-Southland-collapses/

^^ Eisch! Seems to be worse than I initially thought from the first photo and from reading the story. Nice captures, Richard...

Damage looks a lot worse than I first assumed. There are more pics in the article. It's a pretty expansive complex so I'm not sure how much is actually damaged...I think the collapsed part is over the auxiliary courts, but there's a pic of it where you can see into the main arena through the buckled walls too.

Although article quotes 2000, I believe capacity during a game is more like 3.5-4000 people. Could have been potentially very nasty.

Should point out that that's not the rugby stadium....for any potential RWC visitors :)

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1284779855/881/4142881.jpg
http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1284780031/885/4142885.jpg


http://www.stuff.co.nz/4142886/Stadium-Southland-collapses/

The engineers need an uppercut. That's shocking.

Someone needs to put their cock on the block for this one. Clearly, as rumours would suggest, someone fucked up.

Given Invercargill's southerly location and prevailing weather conditions, I would have thought a "significant snow event" to be something that could be reasonably expected in Invercargill.

I therefore find it quite outrageous that a building of this design could even be allowed - To have such a large expanse of unsupported roof of this design, it seems clear that something would go wrong.

Apparently there were questions raised about the design and construction after it was built - yet the council signed off on it.

Again... someone needs to have their cock on the block over this.

And yes, it is a bit rich of us commenting on India's poor building standards when we have these sorts of events happening (not to mention Leaky Building Syndrome either).

On the brighter side, it is excellent that so many buildings withstood the shaking here in Christchurch with most of the significant damage to commercial buildings being limited to the older non-strengthened ones.

It is insured for $40m apparently and is expected to be rebuilt by 2012 though the article isn't online. Also I always thought it was a bit ugly. New one needs more glass. Curved glass frontage.

It is insured for $40m apparently and is expected to be rebuilt by 2012 though the article isn't online. Also I always thought it was a bit ugly. New one needs more glass. Curved glass frontage.

Agree, that big snow storm was maybe a blessing in disguise...hope they decide to make the new indoor stadium actually look like an indoor stadium, not a freezing works.

Agree, that big snow storm was maybe a blessing in disguise...hope they decide to make the new indoor stadium actually look like an indoor stadium, not a freezing works.

It had a flat roof.Arch the thing..so snow falls off.How often does it snow there anyway....and for how long.Was this a one off?
Its the most snow ive seen for down there.I was in Invercargill a couple of years back in August.Although it wasnt warm...it wasnt that cold either.
Certainly not cold enough for snow

[QUOTE=KaneD;63978883]Someone needs to put their cock on the block for this one. Clearly, as rumours would suggest, someone fucked up.

Given Invercargill's southerly location and prevailing weather conditions, I would have thought a "significant snow event" to be something that could be reasonably expected in Invercargill.

QUOTE]

By rumour, do you mean the fact that the roof is lying in a crumpled heap on the ground??

As for design, I was of the understanding that all of the Sth Island required buildings to comply with snow loading..

Something that stood out to me three of four years ago just after that huge snowfall over the Sth Island I drove from ChCh to Dunedin about a week afterwards, and you would see new skyline type sheds etc in ruins, yet 100 year old sheds with more weatherboard missing than still in place were standing strong.. there is a saying that rings true they dont build em like they used to...

It had a flat roof.Arch the thing..so snow falls off.How often does it snow there anyway....and for how long.Was this a one off?
Its the most snow ive seen for down there.I was in Invercargill a couple of years back in August.Although it wasnt warm...it wasnt that cold either.
Certainly not cold enough for snow

Snows hard enough for it to settle about once every year. This much was a rare event though.

I was blown away by the reports of this. I had heard that the original design had a pitched roof but the neighbors asked for a flat roof so the building would have less of a visual impact. Whether this is completely true or not I dont know.

Reminds me of the Polish exhibition hall roof collapse a few years back. That didnt turn out very well at all.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/polish-roof-collapse-kills-at-least-66-525042.html

^^ Eisch! ...

off topic, good South African influence there man. I used to work with a beauty from there, she had me saying this myself!

I was blown away by the reports of this. I had heard that the original design had a pitched roof but the neighbors asked for a flat roof so the building would have less of a visual impact. Whether this is completely true or not I dont know.

Reminds me of the Polish exhibition hall roof collapse a few years back. That didnt turn out very well at all.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/polish-roof-collapse-kills-at-least-66-525042.html



off topic, good South African influence there man. I used to work with a beauty from there, she had me saying this myself!

I was thinking the same thing... there was a kiwi tied up in that too wasnt there? He was arrested and jailed from memory?

Yeah..Indian media anyways is the shitest media you'll find anywhere...they are politically biased...anyways All the venues have been completed and they are fantastic and scores high on build quality...Hope you all will like it...

we'll have to wait and see.. not sure if I think its political tbh svart!!

I have a feeling its going to be called off.

It had a flat roof.Arch the thing..so snow falls off.How often does it snow there anyway....and for how long.Was this a one off?


I get a bit worried when I have a metre or so of snow on my roof, the main problem is the wife makes me go up to clear it off. I have an arched roof but the snow doesn't slide off.

^ 1m? Bloody hell.

Perhaps the new stadium could be built in the shape of a giant Scandanavian A-frame house :)

http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2011/03/15/1226021/684636-ami-stadium.jpg



if you want to see pictures of Kiwi Stadiums including World major stadiums , Please visit below URL.


http://cafe.daum.net/stade/5BHp/8




http://www.soccerbyives.net/.a/6a00e54ef2975b88330133f116fd3a970b-500wi

Stop spamming.

http://www.bookmakersinc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Rugby-world-cup-2011-300x200.jpg


http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9365/mapnz2.png


http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/37445_436432777173_116276232173_5653175_678693_n.jpg





Auckland , Eden Park , 60,000

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/492/auckland600.jpg


http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/4420/auckland605.jpg




Wellington , Wellington Regional Stadium (Westpac Stadium) , 40,000 , 2000.1.3

http://www.affordablecebu.com/pictures/articles/business/Westpac-Stadium-New-Zealand.jpg


http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1210/welington2.jpg




Dunedin , Forsyth Barr Stadium , Otago Stadium 30,748 , 2011.8.5

http://cluj-am.ro/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DUNEDIN-Forsyth-Barr-Stadium-30000-2011-Rugby-World-Cup.jpg


http://www.insidethegames.biz/images/stories/The_Forsyth_Barr_Stadium_in_Dunedin_05-08-11.jpg



Rotorua , Rotorua International Stadium , 26,000 , 1911

http://www.linternaute.com/sport/rugby/les-12-stades-de-la-coupe-du-monde-de-rugby-en-nouvelle-zelande/image/rotorua-international-stadium-955605.jpg


http://www.raggamuffin.co.nz/gallery/2011-aerial-02.jpg



Hamilton , Waikato Stadium , 25,800 , 1925

http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Waikato-Stadium.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ToG3lZf09c/TeYEJ_2tnWI/AAAAAAAABOI/NGrbfYEzJa8/s1600/venue_168.jpg



New Plymouth , Stadium Taranaki (Yarrow Stadium) , 25,500 , 2002.9

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ahcoG_ctj8/TeYE2QhqPPI/AAAAAAAABOY/xoIV_eYQlGk/s1600/5156308921_2759c7f8e6.jpg


http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1309828823/939/5235939.jpg



North Shore City (Albany) , North Harbour Stadium , 25,000 , 1997.3.8

http://www.stadium.co.nz/media/11700/dsc_0071_630x250px_600x238.jpg


http://www.stadium.co.nz/media/9350/rugby_generic_630x250.jpg



Whangarei , Northland Events Centre , Okara Park Stadium(Toll Stadium) , 18,000 , 1965

http://www.whangareiheadstourism.co.nz/images/TollStadiumWhangarei.jpg


http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/864/nwhangarei618.jpg



Nelson , Trafalgar Park , 18,000

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3638/nnelson600.jpg


http://www.oliverweberphotography.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC52611.jpg



Invercargill , Rugby Park (Homestead stadium) , 16,500 , 1887

http://www.aowy95.dsl.pipex.com/Google%20Earth/Rugby%20Grounds/images/Invercargill.jpg


http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Rugby-Park-Stadium.jpg



Palmerston North , Arena Manawatu (FMG Stadium) , 15,000 , 2005

http://www.missoulacultural.org/sistercities/Images/Photos%20of%20Palmerston/FMG%20stadium%20big.jpg

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1309829230/005/5236005.jpg



Napier , McLean Park , 15,000 , 1952

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05oqxtwLijI/TeYE2E6lIiI/AAAAAAAABOQ/OTQU2uX1S1I/s1600/aerial_mclean_4.jpg


http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1297377188/978/4645978.jpg

McLean Parks capacity is 22,000 now ;)

Cheers though