NZ’s first drone light show to light up FMG Stadium Waikato

This Saturday night the DHL Super Rugby Pacific Gallagher Chiefs match against the Fijian Drua will feature New Zealand’s first-ever drone light show at halftime.

Fans at FMG Stadium Waikato will witness 200 drones illuminated to depict Middle-Earth and Chiefs-inspired imagery in a nod to the match day sponsor Hobbiton Movie Set. Scenes for the audience below will include Gollum reaching for the one ring, the eye of Sauron gazing at the crowd below and Gandalf blowing a billowing smoke ring. The drone show will last for eight minutes before fading into the darkness.

Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Simon Graafhuis said: “We are excited to bring New Zealand’s first commercial drone light show to our fans. It will be a truly unique match day experience and is part of our strategy to continue to diversify the entertainment we provide at our games for a spectacle both on and off the field. We are very grateful to the Hobbiton Movie Set for providing this opportunity to our fans.”

The drone show will complement the theme of this weekend’s match, a Festival of Rugby, which also will feature the Chiefs Manawa game against Matatū for round three of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.

Hobbiton Movie Set CEO Russell Alexander is thrilled to be able to collaborate with the Chiefs Rugby Club for this first for New Zealand: “Having the opportunity to bring some extra magic to this weekend’s match with the drone show will truly make it a night to remember.”

Gates open at 4pm this Saturday. Tickets are available now from www.chiefs.flicket.co.nz.

Match Details
Gates Open: 4pm
4.35pm Chiefs Manawa v Matatū
7.30pm Gallagher Chiefs v Fijian Drua
FMG Stadium Waikato
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport