Super Round impact report finds event doubled expected visitor spend

Christchurch reaped the rewards of bringing Super Round to New Zealand for the first time, with an economic impact report finding the event doubled the expected visitor spend over the long weekend.

More than 20,000 fans travelled to Christchurch for the festival of rugby, including fans from the USA, the UK and Australia, while more than 1.2 million fans watched from home on Sky alone. The weekend’s opening match between the Crusaders and Waratahs was the most-watched game of the 2026 regular season on the broadcaster.

Event organisers predicted visitor spend of $6.1 million, but after three days of sold-out action across five games with 73,187 attendees, Fresh Info has found the final tally reached $13.1 million.

“The sellout crowds, quality of rugby and atmosphere across the three days made Super Round a memorable occasion for fans and teams alike. What the report shows is that the impact extended well beyond the stadium. More than 16,500 domestic visitors travelled to Christchurch for the event, far exceeding expectations and driving more than $13 million in visitor spend. It’s a great demonstration of how rugby can bring people together and create real value for the communities that host our biggest events,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said.

The weekend celebrated the opening of One New Zealand Stadium, the Crusaders’ new home after 14 seasons at a ‘temporary’ venue. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said that celebrating the roofed stadium with thousands of loyal fans was a special moment for the club and the region.

“I don’t think anyone who was there will forget the weekend in a hurry. We saw packed stands, great rugby and a city that came alive around the event,” Mansbridge reflected.

“As proud Cantabrians, it was incredibly special to welcome Super Round to rugby heartland and to see fans experience our new home at One New Zealand Stadium for the first time. It felt like more than just a rugby event; it was a milestone moment for Christchurch. These results show the impact that can be achieved when a city gets behind an event like this.”

While the future of Super Round remains unconfirmed, Christchurch’s acting mayor, Victoria Henstock, expressed enthusiasm for how the event showcased the rebuilt city centre’s ability to host major events.

“Super Rugby Pacific Super Round was a historic moment for Otautahi Christchurch with the action on the field and in the central city showcasing our home to the rest of the country and the world.

“Bringing the city to life for this event included 10 team signings, live site activations and the Fan Trail to the stadium, which demonstrated the city’s ability to provide a real festival atmosphere. Our rebuilt and revitalised vibrant city centre was made for major events like this.

“The city bids for events such as Super Round not just for the short-term economic stimulus but because showing the city is a vibrant, successful place helps position us for longer-term benefits such as investment and talent attraction.”