BRISBANE - September 9, 2011 

The Opening Ceremony and the first match of the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Auckland tonight (Friday 9 September), in the redeveloped Eden Park stadium, one of three major Rugby World Cup venues in New Zealand designed by specialist sport architects, Populous.

The other two stadia are the newly completed Otago Stadium (Forsyth Barr Stadium) in Dunedin, the world’s only stadium with a natural pitch growing under a fully fixed roof which will host four pool matches, and Wellington Regional Stadium (Westpac Stadium) in Wellington, which will host eight matches including two quarter finals.

Eden Park was the venue for the very first Rugby World Cup Final in 1987 and it will stage the Final this time round too, as well as 5 pool matches, both semi-finals, and the bronze match.

Populous Senior Principal Richard Breslin who directed the completion of both Eden Park and Otago Stadium said all three stadia are unique to their specific communities.

“Otago Stadium, completed only a month ago, is innovative particularly because of its revolutionary roof made of a specially engineered plastic called ETFE, so sunlight can still reach the pitch, allowing natural grass to grow, while ensuring the fans and players are protected.

Wellington Stadium has stood the test of time, and become a much loved, well used community icon over the past 11 years.

And the new Eden Park, New Zealand’s premier stadium has undergone the biggest transformation in its 100 year history. It still retains its historical and cultural significance as the country’s premier stadium, but it is now distinctly 21st century and unmistakably Kiwi in appearance.

All three stadia are innovative, multifunctional and flexible, so they can operate as truly regional sporting and entertainment hubs providing a real legacy for their communities.”

For more information please contact the Media team:

Bindi Perkins: +61 7 3839 9155 or bindi.perkins@populous.com
Michele Fleming: +61 7 3839 9155 or michele.fleming@populous.com