The boss of Christchurch's new covered stadium admits conditions were "sauna-like" during Monday's NPC final, with temperatures in parts of the venue reaching 32.5C.
The average temperature inside One New Zealand Stadium during the match between Canterbury and Northland was 28.6C, up to 4.3 degrees warmer than outside. About 4000 bottles of water were sold.
Canterbury came from 21-10 down at halftime to beat Northland 43-24, claiming their 16th NPC title and their second in a row. It was Northland’s first NPC final, played in front of a sold-out crowd.
Play was paused for water breaks, a first in an NPC final.
Just how hot did it get inside Christchurch’s new stadium? - Watch on TVNZ+
Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare, who runs the stadium, said there was no denying it had been hot.
“It did feel sauna-like. I hope it didn’t compromise too many people’s experience. It’s such a beautiful venue, and I want people to enjoy it.”
Harvie-Teare said the hottest part of the day had lined up with the 2pm kick-off, and the upper seating was worst affected because of rising heat and direct sun.
“It was a bit of a perfect storm. The highest temperature of the day coincided with kick-off.”
Heat across the long weekend
Spectators sweltered in ‘sauna-like’ conditions at the new stadium this long weekend. (Source: 1News)
The heat was also felt a day earlier, when the stadium hosted a Rugby League World Cup double-header featuring the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones said before the games that keeping players hydrated was a priority.
“We were in Sydney last week and it was warm there. We’ve acclimatised a little bit.”
Fans and louvres were used to move air around, but Harvie-Teare said there was little airflow inside, even with strong winds outside.
“Whilst you’re closer to the fans, they’re not cooling systems. They move the air around. So, as much as there’s some respite from the airflow, it is really warm up there.”
Engineers called in
The stadium has asked engineers to look at ways to improve airflow, such as adding more louvres or opening up the corners of the building. Harvie-Teare said air conditioning was not practical in such a large open space, and any major change would come at a cost.
“We’re going to have a conversation about whether there’s anything material we can do, but anything material will come at a cost. We do need an enduring solution, though.”
She said scheduling could also play a part, with the venue able to give Super Rugby and NPC organisers blackout dates to avoid the hottest times of the season.
'The bake tin'
The stadium has not received any formal complaints about the heat, but Harvie-Teare said she would not be surprised if it did, given the online commentary.
Some spectators took to social media to complain, with one calling the venue “the bake tin” and another writing “welcome to the oven”.
Others told them to cool it. One said there was a good breeze and the temperature was fine, while another called the complainers “whiners” and urged people to support what they called a fantastic stadium.
Six people needed medical assistance for heat-related issues.
The $683 million stadium opened in April this year after four years of construction.
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