Wellington’s Hnry Stadium has sold out nearly two weeks ahead of the One New Zealand Warriors’ Anzac Round clash, setting a new rugby league attendance record for the capital.
A crowd of 34,500 is expected for the April 25 fixture between the New Zealand Warriors and the Dolphins, surpassing the previous record of 30,112 set in 2013.
The early sell-out highlights strong local demand and marks a rare opportunity for Wellington fans to attend the Warriors’ traditional Anzac Day match on home soil. It is only the fourth time the club has hosted the fixture in New Zealand.
Hnry Stadium chief executive Warrick Dent said the response reflects both the significance of the occasion and the city’s growing reputation for major events.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the Anzac Day clash sell out a couple of weeks ahead of the game,” Dent said.
“This is a significant match for the sporting calendar, on an important day for New Zealanders, so to have it resonate with fans here in Wellington speaks volumes about hosting events in our city.”
Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the match carries deep meaning for the club and supporters.
“The Anzac Round match holds real significance for our team,” George said.
“We’re proud to bring the Warriors to Wellington for such a meaningful fixture. Not only will it be a great game of rugby league, but the collaboration with the NZ Defence Force to honour our servicemen and women will make for an amazing occasion.”
The crowd is expected to rank as the Warriors’ fourth-largest in New Zealand, behind three matches held at Eden Park between 2011 and 2013.
The sold-out game adds to a busy events calendar in the capital across the Anzac weekend. WellingtonNZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw said consecutive large-scale events are boosting the city.
“Having two weekends of sold-out events attracting more than 20,000 people each in a single month is a powerful statement about the vibrancy of our city,” Oldershaw said.
“The buzz these events create is felt everywhere, from packed hotels and bustling cafés to busy retail stores.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 8.05pm, with fans encouraged to arrive early for pre-match commemorations.
