Matatū call on Christchurch to make history at new stadium opener
On Saturday 13 June, Matatū will run out at One New Zealand Stadium for the very first time, and the team is calling on Christchurch to help make it a moment that’ll go down in history.
The season opener against Chiefs Manawa marks more than just the start of a new campaign. It’s an historic first for the club and a chance for the city to come together and show what support for women’s rugby can look like.
With a big occasion comes an even bigger goal.
The current attendance record for a standalone domestic women’s rugby match in New Zealand sits at around 4,800. Matatū wants to go beyond that and create a new benchmark for the game.
This is about more than a number. It’s about Christchurch showing up, backing its team, and being part of something that will be remembered well beyond this season.
Head Coach Blair Baxter says while selling out the stadium may seem ambitious, this group believes in what is possible when a community comes together.
“What happens when people believe in the power of community, when they support Matatū to achieve great things, and when they rally our girls to make history, that’s what’s important to this group. We can’t do this without our people, and we would love to have them behind us to kick off our campaign the right way”
For those in the stands, it’s also about the impact beyond the scoreboard.
Matatū Captain Grace Brooker says games like this can shape what young fans believe is possible.
“When our young fans come along, it shows them what you can achieve if you commit to something and chase your goals. It gives them role models they can connect with, and moments they can hold on to. This could be the day that sparks something for the next generation. You never know what one game can mean. It could be the moment someone starts believing in themselves.”
Adding to the occasion, fans will be treated to a standout halftime performance from one of Christchurch’s own.
The Euphoria Mega Crew – a world-champion hip-hop dance group based out of Linwood – will take centre stage. The crew made international headlines after winning gold in the adult mega crew division at the Hip Hop Unite World Championships in Prague, marking New Zealand’s first-ever title in the category.
Euphoria Dance Studio founder and artistic director Jobelle Junko Nuñez says the group is proud to be part of such a significant moment.
“To perform for the very first time in this new stadium, at the first women’s rugby match in this space, and in front of what could be a record-breaking crowd is incredibly special for us. It’s an honour to be part of a moment like this, and we can’t wait to get out there.”
Matatū General Manager Sarah Munro says the team hopes the city rallies behind the wāhine in the same way it has for rugby in the past.
“The Crusaders have sold out One New Zealand Stadium five times in a row this season. Imagine what it would mean to see that same energy and support behind our team, to make history together at our new home and show these athletes just how much their region is behind them.”
Ticketing has been designed to make the day accessible for everyone. Adults are $20, kids are $5, under 5s go free, and families can attend together with a $40 pass covering two adults and two children.
To help build towards a record-breaking crowd, every Crusaders member will receive a complimentary ticket to the Matatū match at One New Zealand Stadium.
Matatū Members won’t miss out either. As a thank you for backing the team, Bayleys has stepped in to support the movement.
To help us chase something special and achieve a record crowd for this game, they’re gifting our Matatū members two additional complimentary tickets so they can bring their friends and whānau along.
This is a chance to be there from the beginning of our 2026 campaign, to be part of a first for our city, and to help set the standard for what women’s sport can look like in Aotearoa.
Tickets are available here.