Smaller windfall from Golden Oldies
The Golden Oldies sports festival under way in Christchurch will bring an estimated $15 million to the city and region, less than half of what was first expected.
The month-long international event, which began on Sunday, runs cricket, golf, hockey, bowls and rugby tournaments for players aged 35 and older. Large numbers of day tours and pre and post-event tours are also arranged for attendees.
The expected spend, while a significant addition to the city’s coffers, is down from the $33m initially suggested when the event was announced three years ago. In recent months some sports, including football, basketball and squash, have pulled out over low numbers. The overall number of attendees has been confirmed at 5000, down from an early estimate of about 9000.
Some sportspeople have said the costs to attend were too high. Critics said although the price initially appeared reasonable, compulsory add-ons and packages pushed up prices, making it unattainable for some social groups.
The festival is based in Hagley Park and use venues across the city. It is the first time it has had all the sports in the same location.
Peter McDermott, managing director of New Zealand company Vintage Sport and Leisure Ltd, which is running the event, said about $7m was the direct cost of holding the festival. The other $8m was money those visiting for the event were expected to spend.
McDermott said an early estimate of a $30m spend made three years ago ‘‘came down with the numbers of sports wanting to come, and that has had an impact on numbers’’.
Despite the city not being fully rebuilt, they had managed to find sufficient hotels, sporting facilities and other venues, he said. A marquee in North Hagley Park had been erected to host a sit-down rugby dinner for 3000 because the city lacked a permanent structure big enough, he said.
Christchurch had been suggested as a venue for the festival by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) as a way of boosting the city.
Hospitality NZ spokeswoman Amy McLellan-Minty said the older adults visiting the city would ‘‘have the budget’’ to get out and enjoy themselves.