By Jessica Rowe
The Crusaders are impressed by progress on the construction of Christchurch’s temporary stadium at Addington.
It is the Crusaders new base after the 2011 February earthquake put AMI Stadium out of action and it is hoped it will be ready for the team's first home game in just 43 days.
The Crusaders and Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee pitched in to help with one of the fastest construction projects in the city, laying recycled turf harvested from Canterbury’s quake-damaged AMI Stadium.
Coach Todd Blackadder says it is special see so many working on a project of this size.
“I suppose it is a step forward to normality,” he says.
The Crusaders' were forced to play every game away from Christchurch last year.
Mr Brownlee says the temporary stadium means the great pride in the Crusaders franchise can continue out of Christchurch.
“It means for other sporting codes there is an opportunity to play here through winter too,” he says.
With 400 construction workers going flat out, Canterbury Rugby is hoping the 18,000-seat stadium will be ready for the Crusaders first home game against the Cheetahs on March 24, just 43 days away.
Canterbury Rugby chief executive says he knows everyone feels really proud to be working on this project.
“Not just for rugby, but for the city to have something to look forward to. A facility that has been desperately missed.”
Blackadder agrees saying it is going to help with the psychology and the mindset, “that we're back in business and it's all part of the rebuild”.
The multi-purpose stadium is expected to be used for Canterbury’s big sporting and outdoor cultural events for the next five years. With season tickets already on sale, fans are counting down the days until the first match.
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