CHRISTCHURCH, Today: The first-ever event at Christchurch’s new stadium has been revealed and while the Crusaders are involved, it’s not rugby this time.
Venues Ōtautahi, the Crusaders, their Crusade with Heart Foundation, and Plato have teamed up with local charity Full Bellies to launch Full Bellies Full House, a virtual fundraiser feeding kids in need across Canterbury.
It’s also the public’s first chance to get a virtual look inside the venue, thanks to Ticketmaster’s new virtual venue map. The goal? To fill every seat in One NZ Stadium, virtually, with proceeds funding school lunches.
Full Bellies Founder Kate Pauling says tickets are just $8.50, with every virtual seat funding a meal for a child in need.
“We’re thrilled to be launching the Full Bellies Full House and are extremely thankful to all the great organisations helping us to make this happen,” said Pauling.
“Our goal is to make the first event at One NZ Stadium a sell out, with the proceeds to provide 25,000 meals for children in need across Canterbury. Whether you buy one ticket, or buy 10, we’re calling on everyone who can to fill a seat and fill a belly.”
Launched in 2022, Full Bellies provides food to kids at schools that don’t receive government lunch funding.
“This stadium belongs to the people of our city, so it feels right that our very first event is about giving back to the community.” – Caroline Harvie-Teare, Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive
“We’re currently working across 25 schools, providing around 1,200 lunches every week to children who haven’t always got access to food,” said Pauling.
“There is a huge need out there and it’s really tough for a lot of families at the moment. Buying a ticket to the Full Bellies Full House is a great way for the community to support us and ensure that all Canterbury kids have the opportunity to learn on a full stomach.”
Each ticket also puts buyers in the draw for a “money-can’t-buy” prize, including meeting the team captains, tossing the coin at the stadium’s first match, a behind-the-scenes tour with Crusaders and Venues Ōtautahi CEOs, four Crusaders home-game tickets for 2026, and a $400 venue food and drink voucher.
Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said, “This stadium belongs to the people of our city, so it feels right that our very first event is about giving back to the community, a community that has been through more than its share over the last 15 years.”
“Every virtual ticket is more than just a seat, it’s a real difference to a child’s day. We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside Full Bellies, the Crusaders, and Plato on this initiative.”
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Share this Post
