Chiefs lock Josh Lord. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Super Rugby returns to Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth tomorrow for the first time since 2017.
Six years ago both covered stands were declared an earthquake risk and the stadium is halfway through a $70 million repair and upgrade project.
According to a Berl report, in the 15 years prior to its closure in 2017, Yarrow Stadium pumped more than $100m into the Taranaki economy.
Crowded House Bar and Grill (Crowdies) co owner Kerry Simeon was hoping the return of top level rugby would set the cash registers ringing all over again.
"It's been a hard few years without our wonderful stadium, but look it's good to kick off with such a great game, such a great team from up the road.
"We are expecting big numbers coming from the mighty Waikato and we're really looking forward to it. We haven't done something this big for a long time as far as rugby goes."
Crowded House Bar and Grill owner Kerry Simeon is hoping for a busy night. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Not that he was divulging how much the big game was worth to Crowdies.
"I can't give too much away you know, but it's busy. It's busy because rugby people like to celebrate our sport and get together afterwards over a cold beverage or a coffee or two and have a laugh.
"Rugby crowds have always been fun and I'm really excited."
Punter Cam Murray reckoned there could not be a better time for the Chiefs to be visiting.
"I'm an old Hurricanes fan and I wasn't particularly impressed when they shifted across to the Chiefs, but then the Chiefs promised they'd bring more games down here so why not.
"And if they can deliver that it's nice to see them come back and do it and they're a better team right now."
Not that Murray was heading along to Yarrow.
"No, I'm a bit old for sitting out in the bloody weather."
Kevin Nielsen was a season ticket holder.
He would not miss it.
"I'm a Chiefs supporter, a Taranaki support and I will be there with bells on."
Chiefs fan Kevin Nielsen will be in the stadium. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Then he had second thoughts about those bells - not wanting to be mistaken with a Waikato fan.
"No, I won't have my cow bells. I'll literally be there. We're really looking forward to it."
Nielsen was one of the lucky ones with a covered seat in the 5000 capacity West Stand which was sporting a new roof.
Super Rugby's return to Yarrow was also exciting for the Taranaki talent in the all conquering Chiefs side.
Second rower Josh Lord was looking forward to stepping onto the hallowed turf in Chiefs colours for the first time.
"Yeah, it's bloody cool, eh. Obviously the stadiums has had a lot getting done to it over the last couple of years so to see the progress that's been made and to play some Super Rugby footie here now is pretty exciting and a credit to Taranaki."
Chiefs captain's run. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Bradley Slater was Taranaki rugby royalty.
He said the return of Super Rugby was a big deal for the region.
"For a small region like Taranaki the opportunities for Super Ruby to come here and get the big dogs to come here and have a run doesn't happen very often, so it's just cool to get the boys down here to get the Reds down - like there's some good players in the Reds team.
"So it will be cool for all the people to come down here and hopefully turn out on a fine Friday night and enjoy some good footie."
And for him personally?
"Just have fun, man. It's good to be back and I'm enjoying being here."
The Chiefs were hopeful of attracting a crowd close to the reduced 12,000 capacity at Yarrows.
Right now the foundations of a new East Stand were going in - with completion expected in 2025.
Yarrow Stadium is undergoing a $70m repair and upgrade. The East Stand is due to be completed in 2025. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
