“The Fortress” Eden Park congratulates Blues Rugby on winning the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Championship

Eden Park, the home of the Blues, reinforced its reputation as The Fortress tonight as the Blues took out the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Championship in front of 44,000 fans. The Blues have experienced plenty of success at the stadium this season, with 16 wins in a row leading up to the title.

The team from Eden Park were quick to congratulate the Blues on their win and the magnificent super rugby season.

Eden Park CEO, Nick Sautner said “Our heartfelt congratulations go to all the players, coaching staff, and support teams of the Blues for their remarkable performances throughout the whole season and for tonight’s phenomenal win against the Chiefs to take out the title.

“The energy and passion displayed on and off the field have truly brought the spirit of rugby to life for our fans and supporters.

“We would like to take this moment to recognise Blues Chairman, Don Mackinnon and the board, along with CEO Andrew Hore and his team. Their visionary leadership has been instrumental in driving the success of Blues Rugby and integral to facilitating our strong partnership.  We are proud to be a key part of the journey.

“Our partnership with Blues Rugby started in 1996 when the Blues was first established, and we’re delighted that ‘The Fortress’ has lived up to its formidable name for the team this year.

Eden Park and the Blues share a unique connection. A player like Caleb Clarke scoring a hat-trick tonight, following in the footsteps of his father, Eroni Clarke, who once played on this same turf, is something special. With the Blues women also claiming the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki title, this marks the beginning of a new era of excellence.

Reflecting on the season, Sautner highlights a number of memorable moments and initiatives.

“This season has been momentous, not only on the field but also in our continued commitment to enhancing the fan experience. Eden Park and the Blues have introduced a series of initiatives designed to enrich the experience of fans attending the games.

“From interactive fan zones, school team curtain-raisers and amazing half-time laser light shows right through to specially designed food and beverage options, we’ve worked together to elevate the fan experience.

“Tonight’s win has once again cemented Eden Park’s reputation as a world-class venue. Alongside tonight’s championship win, the legacy of landmark events including the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, the 2022 Rugby World Cup, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup are now a permanent fixture at Eden Park that enhance the experience for all our future events.

“This has been a massive week for our stadium, as we were also the winners of Venue of the Year and Event of the Year at TheStadiumBusiness Awards in Manchester. The Blues winning on our hallowed turf is another achievement to celebrate.

“Eden Park is more committed than ever to continuing our legacy of excellence. We look forward to many more seasons of thrilling sports, groundbreaking innovations, and unforgettable moments at New Zealand’s national stadium,” said Sautner.

Congratulations once again to the Blues for their remarkable achievements this season. This was it! 80 minutes from kick-off to final whistle to crown the Blues 2024 Super Rugby Champions!