Highlanders home games a hit

The Highlanders are proud to be leading the way when it comes to entertaining their fans both on and off the field.

“Providing our fans with a game of rugby AND a great night out is a priority for the Highlanders, and thanks to supportive commercial partners, we’ve been able to provide an entertainment package that caters for their whole community,” says Highlanders commercial manager Mike Kerr.

“Here at the Highlanders we enjoy crowd/population ratio of 15%, which is the biggest of any Super Rugby team in the country, so we need to focus on entertaining the kids (our future fans) right up to the ground member of 25 years.”

The designated student stand, known as The Zoo, is one of a kind in New Zealand and quickly becoming world renowned.

“The Zoo (along with the enclosed roof) generates an electric atmosphere that both home and away fans enjoy, giving Forsyth Barr Stadium a unique point of difference over any other stadium in the country,” says Kerr.

The team’s “Take a Kid to Footy” area (Family Area) is its most successful section, selling out every game. Thanks to supportive commercial partners, all the kids receive goodie bags bursting with treats and a Highlanders flag.

“It’s great to have the kids back supporting their team and the stadium provides a safe, warm and friendly environment for the whole family to enjoy,” he says.

The Highlanders half-time show has been unofficially called “The Greatest Show on Earth”. Thanks again to the generosity of supportive commercial partners, the Highlanders provide a multi-level entertainment package to cater for all ages and tastes.

The Tux Blimp drops $500 worth of $5 notes for all the kids to chase and catch on the field… but only if they’re wearing their Highlanders jersey! The Challenge Super Shot, a giant basketball hoop on the back of a truck, gives fans from the stands a chance to win a $500 fuel voucher… it’s not that easy, but fans are doing it. With the help of Sky and Vodafone, the Highlanders finish off the half-time show with a “Vodafone Dance Off” – fans dance in the stands and if they get caught on camera and shown on the big screens and the crowd cheer for them, they get to win an iPad mini.

“It’s fair to say going to a Highlanders game is never boring, so get along to the next home game and experience it for yourself….you and the family won’t be disappointed!” says Kerr.