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Apollo Projects Stadium (Crusader Games)
General Information
Overview
About Apollo Projects Stadium
Best known as the home of the Crusaders, Apollo Projects Stadium was redeveloped following the earthquakes. Today it serves as Canterbury's prime venue for provincial and international rugby union and league matches, as well as outdoor concerts and shows.
The Stadium can seat over 18,000 people for sporting events – or 30,000 for concerts – with thirteen large corporate boxes overlooking the hallowed turf. Each corporate box can accommodate up to 60 people, making them a fantastic option for meetings and corporate gatherings.
Apollo Projects is the principal naming rights partner for the stadium.
About the Crusaders
WHAKATAUĀKĪ (Proverbs)
Mā Pango Mā Whero. Ka Oti Te Mahi.
This whakatauākī speaks to the substance of the colours Black and Red. It connects us directly to the indigenous culture of Aotearoa and brings the wisdom of matauranga Māori to the forefront of our identity.
Mā Pango is the colour Black, our night sky, our universe. It connects us to the cosmos and our eternal whakapapa, providing us pathways to unearth the infinite potential of our players and our community.
Mā Whero is the colour Red, a colour of high value and often held aside to adorn our inspirational leaders. It is the coming together of thes two colours, and what they represent, that gives us the ability to overcome any challenges.
It is something we draw strength from and aspire to live up to.
About Venues Ōtautahi (VŌ)
The premiere venues of Ōtautahi are an iconic part of the city – spaces for connection, celebration, entertainment, trade and manaakitanga. From the historic to the contemporary, each has something unique to offer, and each plays a vital role of supporting Christchurch's social, cultural and economic wellbeing.
Operated with community in mind, these are spaces for all people, young and old, to create memories, discover and grow, and look to the future, together. Nau mai, haere mai.
Notes for Cardholders
The Crusaders are pleased to be able to offer to cardholders a care/companion ticket, see the details under the "+1" icon. The card is also recognised as proving the need for accessible seating and to get assistance with queuing.
The VŌ staff have all undergone training with respect to the card and reasonable accommodations. At the stadium contact any of the VŌ staff - wearing blue vests - if you need assistance or one of the security team.
For card holders who would find it difficult to go to the food outlets there is a system to order and have food delivered. Look out for signs and instructions in the level access seating area, or ask one of the VŌ staff on the way in.
If you have a problem at anytime call the Crusaders Membership telephone no. 03 421 7192.
Note: The Access Video at the bottom of the page is a good way of understanding how to get to the stadium, where to park, and the best gates for access and seating.
Standing and Queuing
To assist staff, please wear your lanyard. To purchase one go to https://www.hapaiaccesscard.org.nz/lanyards
Our main entrance is Gate A located in the Northeast corner of the stadium. Please make sure you are wearing your lanyard to ensure that you are visible to the queue managers - who wear blue vests - and they will direct you.
Alternatively go to Gate B2 which is closest to the mobility and general parking which is for exclusive use of cardholders.
There is an accessible queue lane at the food outlets by Gate A which is normally controlled by a security guard. Show them your card for access to this lane. There is also a VŌ staff member overseeing the area who can assist you.
Please be aware that at certain times during an event (e.g. intermission) there may be increased demand for the toilet facilities. If you have this icon on your card, seek the attention of one of our team who will assist you.
Level Access
Our main accessible entrance is Gate A located in the Northeast corner of the stadium. It is also possible for card holders to enter the stadium by Gate B-2 by showing your card to the guard. This gate is the closest to the disabled parking which is accessed from Jack Hinton Drive. Using Gate B-2 allows an easier passage to the level access seating area in front of the North Stand which is available to those in wheelchairs and those who cannot manage stairs.
You must be a blue mobility permit holder to use the mobility parking spaces and your permit must be displayed in your vehicle in the usual manner whilst you are parked in one of our mobility parking spaces. This parking is approximately 50m from Gate B-2.
If you are arriving by taxi, there is a designated pick up and drop off zone within the accessible parking area.
The route to our level access seating area is clearly signposted. This area is along the front of the North stand, a distance of approximately 120m from Gate B-2.
Please note that the level access seating area is not undercover so bring appropriate clothing and that speakers are located immediately in front which generate a high volume of sound. Ear mufflers are available or you may wish to bring your own.
In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation of the stadium, please follow the instructions on the large screen and those given by our staff. If you require assistance to safely evacuate the stadium, please let one of our team - wearing blue vests marked "Venues Ōtautahi" - when you arrive.
Distances
If you have difficulty walking distances and/or climbing stairs, we recommend booking a seat in the level access seating in front of the North Stand which is done by calling the Crusaders' Membership number 03 421 7192. Entrance A is closest to this seating area. You may wish to consider temporarily using a wheelchair as the distances involved around the stadium are greater than 50m. If you find that you are having a problem walking ask the VO staff and they will arrange for a wheelchair for you.
If you are travelling by bus, we suggest using route 120 or the Orbiter and using the stop on Whiteleigh Ave near Jack Hinton Drive. This will bring you closest to Gate A and approximately a 250m walk.
Remember you can order food online and have it brought to your seat.
One accessible toilet is located at each end of the North stand. Depending on where you are sitting you can expect to walk between 20 - 50m to get to a toilet. Each toilet block has both accessible and regular toilets. There are also accessible toilets on the suites level of the North stand via lift access.
Toilets are also located behind the South, North and East stands, some require 1 or 2 steps to enter with railings on the side and some have ramps.
Urgent Toilet Access
Standard toilets are located behind the North, and South stands. Some have either one or more steps to gain entry but there are some with ramps. Accessible toilets are located at each end of the North stand. There are also toilets (including accessible toilets) on the suites level of the North stand via lift access.
Please be aware that while their are a large number of standard toilets, at certain times during an event (e.g. intermission) there may be increased demand for the toilet facilities. If you have the WC icon on your card, you may use the accessible toilets even if you are not in a wheelchair.
You may also wish to consider booking an aisle seat or a seat that is closest to a toilet block. Please call us when making your booking for advice.
Disability Assist Dogs
If you are attending an event at the stadium with your disability assistance dog, please ask one of our team for the nearest toileting area for your dog.
If space is available there is the option of being seated in the area designated for wheelchairs; please call us to book. If you would prefer you may self-select when booking your ticket(s) online, but be aware that space for your dog will be very limited. Alternatively, call the Crusaders' Membership phone and they can assist in getting you seating that is best for you and your dog.
Essential Companions
If you are attending a Crusaders match and require a free companion ticket for your carer, please contact the Crusaders directly on 03 421 7192. They will be able to help with your booking.
If you require a free companion ticket for any other event, please contact Ticketek to make your booking. It is essential that you do this sooner rather than later as, due to capacity limits for each event, we may not be able to provide you with a companion ticket even if you already have a ticket for the event.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
All our customer service staff have been trained on how best to help you whilst you are at an event in the stadium.
If you require assistance to find your seat please let one of our team know.
In the event of an emergency, all instructions will be given verbally, either directly or via our speaker system. If you need assistance to safely evacuate the stadium please let one of our team know.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
All our customer service staff have been trained on how best to help you whilst you are at an event in the stadium.
In the event of an emergency, all instructions will be displayed on the digital scoreboard. If you need assistance to safely evacuate the stadium please let one of our VO team or Security Staff know.
Hidden Disabilities
If you have any special requirements, please contact us ahead of your visit to the stadium. Our team is more than happy to assist you in any way they can. You are also welcome to call the Crusaders Membership team directly on 03 421 7192 and they will be pleased to assist you.
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