September 2, 2026

What better way to wrap up a massive foodie month in the capital than with a five-course feast, behind-the-scenes stadium access and two internationally renowned chefs?

On Friday 28 August, The Food Show and Hnry Stadium teamed up to bring a very different kind of dining experience to life – Pitch to Plate, a progressive dinner through the stadium hosted by celebrity chefs Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.

The evening combined incredible food with an exclusive lookbehind the scenes of Hnry Stadium, taking guests on a journey through some of the venue’s most iconic spaces.

The experience began at the players' entrance – the same entrance used by our home teams, including the Hurricanes, Wellington Phoenix and visiting All Blacks, on match days.

From there, guests were taken through the changing rooms, where they enjoyed a drink on arrival and their first canapé before making their way towards the Players Tunnel.

Then came one of the standout moments of the evening.

As the roller doors opened onto the field, the stadium transformed into a game-day setting. Flame pots and lights lit up, while smoke effects filled the tunnel, revealing Colin and Manu waiting on the other side – creating a moment that felt like game day meets My Kitchen Rules.

Guests then stepped out onto the pitch, where they were welcomed with a kapa haka performance before getting the chance to mingle with Colin and Manu.

The journey continued through the stadium bowl and up to our lounges, before guests settled into the Level 4 Hnry Gallery for the rest of the evening, where they enjoyed a five-course dinner curated by Colin and Manu. Each course came with plenty of laughs, as the chefs introduced their dishes throughout the night.

The result was an evening that brought together great food, entertainment and an experience that guests couldn't get anywhere else.

A huge thank you to The Food Show, Colin, Manu and all of our sponsors and partners who helped bring Pitch to Plate to life. It was an absolute blast, and we couldn't have done it without you all!

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More than just a stadium

Events like Pitch to Plate showcase just how versatile Hnry Stadium can be as an events and functions venue. From large-scale lounges capable of hosting hundreds of guests to more exclusive spaces such as the changing rooms, Players Tunnel and team areas, the stadium offers plenty of opportunities to create experiences that go far beyond the traditional event.

Whether you're planning a Christmas function, end-of-year celebration, corporate event or something a little different, Hnry Stadium has the space to make it happen.

With Christmas fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning your next event. Looking for a venue that offers something a little different? Look no further than Hnry Stadium!

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