New look Eden Park opens on 10.10.10

Auckland’s new look Eden Park, which has just undergone a three-year, multi-million dollar upgrade for Rugby World Cup 2011, will open its gates on 10.10.10.

The special open day will allow members of the public to inspect the redevelopment first-hand and get a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at what will be New Zealand’s main venue for the Rugby World Cup next year.

Seating capacity has been increased to 60,000 and as well as the finals, the stadium will host the RWC opening and closing ceremonies.

Prime Minister John Key will officially open the revamped stadium as part of the Sunday October 10 open day and all proceeds from the gold-coin donation entry fee will go to the Christchurch Earthquake fund.

Eden Park upgrade
The major upgrade of Eden Park has included a new six-level, 21,500-seat South Stand, a new three-tier east stand and an increased area of covered seating.

An internal concourse has been developed to improve crowd flow and there have been extensive improvements to food and beverage outlets, toilets, corporate areas, team and media facilities.

Eden Park officials say they want to give the public the chance to see Eden Park’s changes for themselves, and celebrate the opening in readiness for the Rugby World Cup next year.

Public access
Public will have access to players’ changing rooms, coaches’ boxes, the main control room and the media centre - as well as the new stands and internal concourse.

Current stars from the NZRU, Auckland Rugby, Auckland Cricket, the Kiwis and Vodafone Warriors and Black Ferns will attend the open day.

NZ Hip Hop World Champs ‘ReQuest’ will perform as part of a programme of Kiwi musical and cultural entertainment.

The new Mayor-elect of Auckland’s Super City is expected to attend on what will be their first day in office.
Eden Park CEO David Kennedy says the family fun day will herald a new era for Eden Park.

Moving the goal posts
Changes to Eden Park have also included new goal posts and the old ones have been put up for auction to help raise money for Christchurch earthquake victims.

The famous goal posts, now listed on Trade Me, have seen plenty of action in the past 20 years - including the first ever Rugby World Cup held at Eden Park in 1987.

The 18-metre steel posts, which weigh in at 700kgs each, are being sought by rugby fans and sports collectors keen to secure a piece of New Zealand sporting history.

"If these goalposts could talk, they'd certainly tell a great story," said David Kennedy, Eden Park Trust Chief Executive.

"From being there during Michael Jones' diving try in the '87 World Cup final, to the drama and controversy of the final Test against the Springboks in 1981, the goalposts have stood through some momentous events for Eden Park," Kennedy said.

Grant Fox
Former All Black and Auckland rugby goal-kicker Grant Fox said the old posts held a lot of memories for him, having spent countless hours at Eden Park trying to kick a ball between them.

"This is a fitting send off for the goal posts, and the proceeds are going to a great cause. Unfortunately I won't be putting in a bid myself because I don't think the neighbours would appreciate them on the front lawn."

David Kennedy said the goals are definitely able to be re-used on a sports field and would be ideal for a rugby club, collectors of memorabilia, or just a group of mates who want the real thing on their local field.
The auction is due to close at 8.00pm on Sunday October 3.

The old posts will make way for a new, lighter set to be used for the RWC 2011.