Vbase Client & Media Statement

Christchurch Convention Centre; Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts; CBS Canterbury Arena; and AMI Stadium will be closed until at least 15 March 2011. During this time the implications of Tuesday's earthquake on staff, venues and events will be fully assessed.

Preliminary assessments of the venues have confirmed structural damage to AMI Stadium; Christchurch Convention Centre and Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts. More detailed assessments are now required and will be completed over coming weeks.

CBS Canterbury Arena sustained minor structural damage. This has been repaired as a priority to enable this facility to be available for Civil Defence needs if required.

AMI Stadium has repairable structural damage, significant damage to fixtures and fittings and liquefaction impacts within the stadium including the playing surface. There is also substantial damage to surrounding streets and infrastructure. As a result the Crusaders are considering options for the home games scheduled at AMI Stadium on 4 and 11 March. Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said "the Crusaders' preference is to keep those matches within the Franchise region if possible and the Crusaders, NZRU and SANZAR were currently working through the alternative venue options and logistical arrangements." In relation to Rugby World Cup please direct any enquiries to Mike Jaspers at RNZ 2011 Ltd.