All Blacks, Black Caps, Freestyle Kings: Hamilton to host big calibre events

The last time the All Blacks played in Hamilton was almost three years ago when they played Argentina. Photo / Photosport

Hamilton is the place to be in the next while as the city amps up to host numerous big calibre events, including All Blacks, Warriors and Black Caps matches.

The line-up is expected to result in a big economic boost for the city with potentially several thousand bed nights and over $1 million of tourism expenditure.

The news comes fresh off the excitement of the All Whites game last month and after the city just hosted the New Zealand premiere of the new Lord of the Rings film - The War of the Rohirrim.

Cricket fever is hitting Seddon Park this weekend when the Black Caps take on England from December 14-18.

The Black Caps also have two other epic battles locked in, against Sri Lanka on January 8 and against Pakistan on April 2.

Another big event this weekend will be the DFX Wonder Land show on December 14-15 at Globox Arena, featuring local dance talent.

A star-studded line-up of comedians will also hit the stage at Claudelands with Chris Parker, Urzila Carlson, and Sarah Millican coming to the Tron in the next couple of weeks.

In February, Hamilton will host the motocross stunt group Freestyle Kings again and the New Zealand Warriors which will take on the Melbourne Storm on February 15, in their only pre-season match in New Zealand before they head to Las Vegas.

The last time the Warriors played in Hamilton, against the Tigers in July 2023, it was to a sold-out crowd.

Super Rugby Pacific matches will also kick off in February with the Gallagher Chiefs playing at least six games at FMG Stadium Waikato throughout the season.

The Warriors will return to Hamilton next year.

In April, popular Australian children’s show Bluey comes to life on stage at Globox Arena.

Another highly-anticipated event will be the match between the All Blacks and France on July 19 which will be the first time the French side played in Hamilton.

The match will be almost three years after the All Blacks’ triumph over Argentina in Hamilton, which drew in more than 14,800 visitors.

Hamilton City Council general manager destinations Sean Murray said all events would have a positive flow-on effect on local businesses.

“It’s a jam-packed season that proves there’s events for all tastes and always something exciting happening in Hamilton,” said Murray.

Freestyle Kings will return to Hamilton in February. Photo / Sheppard Photography

“With Hamilton being home to our world-class stadia the whole Waikato has easy access to these events and can choose to stay, eat, shop or explore in our city.

“It’s a great chance to have a fun-filled weekend in the city. Explore some of our nature gems, take a stroll along the peaceful river path, visit our zoo, Hamilton Gardens or the recently upgraded museum.”

FMG Stadium Waikato director Ben Slatter added that - based on previous experience - the city was in for a boost.

“Last time the All Blacks were playing in town, we had more than 8500 bed nights and a whopping $1,736,230 in tourism expenditure. The upcoming Warriors game and All Blacks clash with France are expected to bring similar economic benefits.”