Christchurch fans will be treated to an international hockey showdown as the Vantage Black Sticks take on the world for the FIH Pro League in February.

Our city has been named one of only two New Zealand venues to host the FIH Pro League games, to be held at Christchurch’s brand new Ngā Puna Wai sports hub.

Featuring three double headers, the Vantage Black Sticks men and women will take on Great Britain, Germany, Pakistan (men) and China (women) on the 8^th, 15^th and 17^th February 2019.

This is the first international match hosted at the Ngā Puna Wai sports hub, Christchurch’s new home of hockey, athletics, tennis and rugby league.

Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sports Service Manager David Bailey says he’s delighted to see these world-class facilities being put to good use.

“It’s fantastic to see Christchurch’s new home of hockey hosting some of the world’s top players for the FIH Pro League,” Mr Bailey says. “This facility is an incredible asset to our region and we’re excited to support the growth of a new generation of sports enthusiasts.”

Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon says having access to world-class facilities will help boost Canterbury’s local sporting prowess and attract international talent to our region.

“Not only does this offer better training and development opportunities to our local athletes, it’s fantastic to see international matches already booked into this facility, further raising Canterbury’s sporting profile.”

Canterbury’s hockey community christened their new turfs at Ngā Puna Wai in December, the second sporting code to call Ngā Puna Wai home.

In October, the staged opening kicked off with the opening of the internationally-certified nine-lane athletics track and field facilities, providing Christchurch with a world-class sports venue.

Ngā Puna Wai is a collaborative partnership between Christchurch City Council, Sport Canterbury, Athletics Canterbury, Canterbury Hockey, Rugby League Canterbury, Tennis Canterbury and the local community.

To secure your tickets to the FIH Pro League and watch some of the world’s best hockey teams in action, click here: