Wellington is set for a record-breaking night of rugby league, with Hnry Stadium sold out nearly two weeks ahead of the New Zealand Warriors’ Anzac Round showdown with the Dolphins.
A full house of 34,500 will pack the venue, marking the largest crowd ever for a league match in the capital and surpassing the previous record set in 2013.
The early sell-out highlights the significance of the Anzac fixture and the growing demand for major sporting events in Wellington. It will be just the fourth time the Warriors have hosted their traditional Anzac Day clash on home soil, giving local fans a rare chance to experience one of the NRL’s most symbolic occasions in person.
Hnry Stadium chief executive Warrick Dent said the rapid sell-out underlined both the importance of the event and the city’s rising profile. “It’s incredibly exciting to see the Anzac Day clash… sell out a couple of weeks ahead of the game,” he said, adding that the response “speaks volumes about hosting events in our city.”
Warriors CEO Cameron George said the occasion carries deep meaning for the club. “The Anzac Round match holds real significance for our team,” he said. “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 match is expected to be one of the Warriors’ biggest crowds ever in New Zealand, behind only three fixtures staged at Eden Park more than a decade ago. It also adds to a busy period for the capital, with major events drawing strong attendance and boosting local businesses.
WellingtonNZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw said the surge in crowds reflects the city’s growing appeal. “Having two weekends of sold-out events… is a powerful statement about the vibrancy of our city,” he said, noting the wider economic lift across hospitality, accommodation and retail.
Kick-off for the Anzac Day clash is scheduled for 8:05pm, with fans urged to arrive early for what is shaping as a landmark night in Wellington sport.
