Work to install a group of new goal-line corporate suites at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato will begin on 1 July.
In an exciting enhancement project at the Hamilton City Council-owned venue, the Chiefs Rugby Club has fully funded the installation and consenting for the addition of eight new goal-line corporate suites at the Tristram St end of the ground.
Chad Hooker, the Operations Director for the Council’s H3 division, says the goal-line corporate suites project reflects the partnership and alignment of the two organisations.
“This initiative has come from the Chiefs Rugby Club, who are a key tenant at FMG Stadium Waikato through their hosting of Investec Super Rugby matches at the venue,” he says.
“The goal-line corporate suites project has been worked on for more than a year following endorsement from the Mayor and Councillors in March 2018, and the public will now see the concept become a reality.”
Mr Hooker says the venture with the Chiefs Rugby Club demonstrates the Council and H3 are “open for business” in working alongside commercial entities on projects which benefit the city and its residents.
“The project fits closely with the overall stadium and is a great example of how public-private partnerships can work to benefit community-owned facilities.”
The Chiefs Rugby Club has full financial, compliance and management responsibility for the goal-line corporate suites and as a result, the project comes at no financial cost to Hamilton’s ratepayers. The Chiefs will pay a ground lease to the Council as part of the commercial arrangement.
The new goal-line corporate suites will look directly down the playing field, over the goal line terraces.
Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins says: “The goal-line corporate suites project has had a number of moving parts and to finally see the project in the final stages of completion is certainly exciting for all those who have been involved.
“In particular, this project has allowed us to continue to strengthen an already valued relationship with Hamilton City Council and H3 Group.
“The goal-line corporate suites will enhance the landscape of FMG Stadium Waikato and we, along with our stakeholders will be excited to soon see their guests enjoy the new premium end-of-ground viewing experience for all events at the venue.”
The installation project will take between six and eight weeks and the footpath at the Tristram St end of the ground will be unavailable, meaning pedestrians will need to detour via the adjacent park.
The Chiefs Rugby Club has the option to install four further corporate boxes at the Tristram St end of the ground in Stage 2 development in the future.
