Stadium marks its 10th year in style

Sam Hurley 24th Apr 2013 HB Today

Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the Pettigrew-Green Arena and the decade of success will be celebrated by hosting the Harlem Globetrotters in May.

For the first time in over 12 years the Globetrotters will come to New Zealand, bringing their famous tradition of ball-handling wizardry and basketball artistry to Napier on May 31.

CEO Brendon Rope said it was exciting to have an event like the Globetrotters in their 10th year.

He said since the indoor stadium's opening in 2003, by Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott, Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chairman Ross Bramwell, and Mayor of Hastings Lawrence Yule, the arena has catered for everything and anything.

"The venue has developed a history of versatility and reliability in the past decade since Hawke's Bay businessmen Rodney Green and Sir Russell Pettigrew's families offered significant contributions for its construction."

Mr Rope said his most memorable moments during his four-year tenure as CEO were the Billy Connolly and Wiggles shows, while the 2010 Silver Ferns test against Jamaica was also a highlight.

"I think the Silver Ferns test was special because we were the first provincial venue to hold a test. It was really pleasing to get that," he said.

Other concerts that have been staged there include UB40 - the first international concert at the venue was sold out two nights in a row - while the 2500-seat indoor stadium has allowed regular regional, national and international sports events.

"It has been the home of the HBS Bank Hawks basketball team for the past 10 seasons, which includes one national league title in 2006. Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns test matches have also been played there, a Silver Ferns test match, and Central Pulse ANZ Championships netball matches," Mr Rope said.

The success of the venue would not have been possible without its relationship with EIT.

"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for EIT. They offered a third of the capital for the building's construction."

EIT uses the venue for their science, massage therapy and health science courses.

"We have had EIT's Sport and Recreation students learning here, Basketball Hawke's Bay, Volleyball Hawke's Bay, and Hawke's Bay Netball all as regular hirers for community sport," Mr Rope said.

The registered High Performance Sport New Zealand building also includes an award-winning, state-of-the-art gym, with three squash courts, a sports science lab, consultancy rooms and a fitness centre.

"The Fitness Centre has had a major impact on the quality of life for our members and has achieved National Industry Awards," Mr Rope said.

Anniversary celebrations will remain low-key from staff but special recognition will be given to those significant tenants and contributors that have been with the arena for the past decade.

Other major events over the years have included the Romeo Bragato Conference, Mercedes Benz Wine Awards, Bull Riding, El Caballo Blanco Spanish Horses and motocross.