Jade Stadium hosted its first full house in three years when rugby fans enjoyed the Canterbury Crusaders versus Otago Highlanders game on 1 April. The Crusaders triumphed 42-36.

Jade Stadium, formerly Lancaster Park, is being redeveloped and when it is finished it will provide seating for 36,500 people (currently there is seating for 14,00 and standing room for 18,500).

The new south stand, with capacity of 6750, will be completed in July this year in time for the New Zealand v South Africa test match.

A new west stand with corporate boxes and "all the trimmings" and capacity of almost 17,00, will be finished by November 2001. A sum of $100,00 has been allocated in the draft annual plan to upgrade the pedestrian area outside the stadium.