Sturt said Rotorua was part of the Chiefs' franchise, attracted a good crowd of 14,500 people at this year's pre-match and players had historically said they loved playing at the stadium.
"I'm devastated, that's a disgrace. We [the council] spend a fortune on maintaining that stadium up to a certain standard, it's one of the best in New Zealand and can hold 36,000 people but no one wants to use it."
In response to questions about why Rotorua had missed out, a Chiefs spokeswoman said chief executive Andrew Flexman would be the person to comment but he was overseas until next week.
Council operations and event development manager Crispian Stewart said he appreciated the decision the Chiefs had made.
"Despite not securing any games this time round, we look forward to future opportunities with the team as we always put our hand up to host Super games each season."
Stewart said the Rotorua International Stadium was an ideal venue for big games, and although it was well-used for community events such as athletics and secondary competitions, the council looked forward to hosting higher profile events such as the upcoming National Rugby Sevens in January.
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said while he always wanted to see Chiefs games in the Bay of Plenty he was not surprised Rotorua and Tauranga had missed out.
"Realistically, they have a number of venues they need to consider for home games."
Rogers said there was the Chiefs' home base in Hamilton as well as Pukekohe, Rotorua, Tauranga and New Plymouth to consider.
"They have to distribute them around the region to the best commercial outcomes as well."
He said the Chiefs were on record as saying Tauranga didn't have a viable stadium for them to play at and the only other Bay of Plenty venue was in Rotorua.
"I'm not surprised we have missed out when you consider all things but I would have loved to see it in the Bay of Plenty because we have got such a strong rugby population with a strong connection to the Chiefs."
In a press release from the Chiefs franchise, chief executive Flexman said a highlight next year would be June 20 when the Chiefs played the British and Irish Lions at FMG Stadium Waikato, as well as the game in Fiji.
"We are thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to play in Fiji again in 2017 off the back of a wonderful occasion in Suva last year," Flexman said.
"The people of Fiji love the game of rugby and it is important that we do our bit to promote the standing of the sport in that country.
"We know many of our Chiefs fans thoroughly enjoyed the experience of travelling to the island destination last year so it is another opportunity for them to get on the road with the Gallagher Chiefs and be part of something truly unique."
2017 Gallagher Chiefs home draw
Wednesday 8 February - Preseason match: Gallagher Chiefs v Bulls, Ballymore, Brisbane
Friday 3 March - Gallagher Chiefs vs Blues, FMG Stadium Waikato, 7:35pm
Friday 10 March - Gallagher Chiefs vs Hurricanes, FMG Stadium Waikato, 7:35pm
Saturday 1 April - Gallagher Chiefs vs Bulls, FMG Stadium Waikato, 7:35pm
Saturday 29 April - Gallagher Chiefs vs Sunwolves, FMG Stadium Waikato, 7:35pm
Saturday 6 May - Gallagher Chiefs vs Reds, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth, 7:35pm
Friday 19 May - Gallagher Chiefs vs Crusaders, ANZ Stadium, Suva, 7:35pm
Saturday 3 June - Gallagher Chiefs vs Waratahs, FMG Stadium Waikato, 5:05pm
Tuesday 20 June - Gallagher Chiefs v British & Irish Lions, FMG Stadium Waikato, 7:30pm
Saturday 15 July - Gallagher Chiefs vs Brumbies, FMG Stadium Waikato, 5:15pm
