Fixed and telescopic platform system seats are being installed, allowing for different event seating configurations, up to a maximum 8,500 seats.

A full size, portable gymnasium sports or will be available for basketball or netball, adaptable for badminton, volleyball and table tennis. The floor of the Centre will be able to accommodate up to 250 trade show booths, or three netball courts, making it the largest indoor spectator arena in New Zealand.

Already booked to host the 1999 World Netball Championships, the facility will also be home to basketballs WestpacTrust Canterbury Rams.

After an official opening in September to allow Christchurch people to inspect the Centre, the Christchurch City Council, which has built the world class facility, will hand over to venue managers NCC (New Zealand) Ltd, which also manages the Town Hall and Convention Centre.

Executive director for the company, Mike Kelly, says a good mix of exhibitions, sporting fixtures, concerts and special events is already lined up.

The recent confirmation of Bob Dylan to commercially open the Centre will be followed by a major stage show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, a major equestrian and canine exhibition, a major regional home and interiors consumer show and the Cardio­Thoracic Charity Concert, which is scheduled for mid- November, he said.