Rugby: Corporate suites approved for FMG Stadium

FMG Stadium in Hamilton will be getting 14 new corporate boxes after Hamilton City Council gave the Chiefs the final go ahead to begin construction. Photo / Hamilton City Council

The Chiefs' plan to install new corporate suites at FMG Stadium has passed another hurdle after the city council unanimously signed off on the proposed development.

The Chiefs will install 14 new container-style corporate suites which will accommodate up to 20 people each on the eastern end of the ground.

They will own the boxes, and will pay all building, installation costs and maintenance costs as well as the $15,000 resource consent fee, while the council will gather revenue from rental and catering commissions.

Chief's commercial manager Sean Austin called the move a win-win for both the city and the rugby franchise.

"We need these because of the demand we have," Mr Austin said.

He said the that with more people coming to the stadium, it would have a positive impact on the surrounding businesses in Hamilton.

At an earlier meetings, councillors were concerned about having to pay a resource consent fee, but the Chiefs have said they will now pay the extra $15,000.

"To be honest we always thought we would be paying that and we are quite happy too," Mr Austin said.

While they are now busy looking for the shipping containers to use for the corporate suites, Mr Austin said that their time line is on track.

"These boxes will be ready for the HSBC Sevens in Hamilton next year."

The Chiefs are the key hirer of FMG Stadium.

Their current hire agreement expires on September 30, 2020 with a right of renewal for a term based on their licence to operate a Super Rugby franchise.