Three All Blacks tests confirmed for Eden Park

Rugby fans are in for a triple treat at New Zealand’s national stadium, with three premium All Blacks test matches confirmed for 2021!

In addition to hosting the opening match of the 2021 Bledisloe Cup 7 August, Eden Park will stage two Rugby Championship tests – the first against Argentina 11 September, followed by a sure-to-be unforgettable face-off against South Africa 2 October.

Eden Park Chief Executive Officer Nick Sautner says, “We’re delighted to be in a position to stage this premium line-up of test matches against three of the top-ranked opponents in the world.”

“This is an outstanding outcome for rugby fans at the home of the All Blacks. Eden Park has a rich history and unmatched record for staging and selling out test matches that create unforgettable sporting memories,” Sautner says.

Eden Park usually hosts two All Blacks tests per year, with Rugby World Cup 2011 and the 2017 Lions Tour marking the only two exceptions in the last decade.

Last year’s second Bledisloe Cup test in October showcased Eden Park on the global stage, with images of more than 48,000 packed fans beamed around the world to sports fans in the grips of Covid-19 lockdowns.

“After a year of Covid restrictions and cancellations, we’re delighted to see the return of international sport to Eden Park,” says Sautner.

“This additional fixture will be a very welcome addition to our members and partners who have continued to support us through unprecedent times. Eden Park would like to personally acknowledge their continued loyalty and look forward to celebrating together with the team of 5 million.”

Three international test matches will also provide a welcome boost to the local economy, with data from a 2019 Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park demonstrating a $400,000 uptick in spending in the Dominion Road business district.

“Events at Eden Park have a significant impact on the local economy that creates a ripple effect throughout the region as thousands of patrons make their way to and from the country’s largest and most centrally-located stadium.”

“A typical All Blacks test match at Eden Park provides employment to more than 3,000 Kiwis across cleaning, catering, security, traffic management and other operational staff. With three test matches now scheduled for 2021, the economic benefits cannot be understated,” Sautner says.