Around 12,000 people attended the unveiling of Hamilton’s new Claudelands complex last Saturday 18 June 2011 and the $68.4 million venue, with its 6000+ capacity arena, adjacent conference centre and exhibition spaces, didn’t fail to impress!

"I think people were really surprised and impressed with how big it is and the quality of the arena" said event facilities manager Mark Christie.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker, who officially opened the venue, said "Everyone that I have spoken to has been absolutely thrilled with it. They love the way it looks, they love the facilities and people have said that it’s really going to put Hamilton on the map."

The Open Day festivities began with a dawn blessing followed by the ceremonially sealing of a time capsule to be buried on site and containing significant items marking the moment in history.

A plaque was then unveiled by the Mayor and the doors thrown open for the public to view all spaces, including areas which would normally be off-limits, such as the backstage dressing rooms and green rooms.

With more than 80 conferences, expos, trade shows, sports games and live music shows booked for Claudealands over the coming year and many more in the pipeline, Hamilton can look forward to the increase in local event business and to being host to shows such as the Home and Garden Show, Edgetravaganza and the Armageddon Expo.

"The previous generations have paid for what we've got today and the present generation is to pay for what they've got in the future," said ninety-year-old Hamilton resident Keith Aikin (quote courtesy of the Waikato Times).