The Sport and Event Centre is based in the serene environment of the Massey University Campus in Palmerston North. A short distance to the City Centre, on the outskirts close to the river and the ranges, nothing is too far in Palmy.
Having everything in one place, from accommodation to event facilities, ensures convenience and a seamless experience. Whether it’s a sports event, a conference, or a special occasion, the Sport and Event Centre will significantly enhance the overall experience.
Our top-class sports facilities are used by athletes worldwide, with indoor and outdoor areas available year-round. We know sports and events, and by using the Sport and Event Centre, you will have everything you need in one location.
Our Key Facilities
Sports
facilities
Top-class facilities for schools and sports teams in a high performance environment.
Conference & Event Spaces
Our corporate facilities and event spaces are ideal for meetings, team building sessions, conferences or fully catered functions.
Accommodation
Our accommodation options are perfectly suited for school groups, conferences, and training camps.
We also have accommodation options. On site at the Sport and Event Centre, we can house up to 65 people in twin and triple share rooms. And our satellite accommodation, only a short 3min drive away, can accommodate another 165 guests in single dorm style rooms.
Overall we can sleep up to 230 people across three venues – everyone can stay at Massey with easy access to all facilities!
Features
Indoor training
facilities
Our indoor training arena is designed with impact-resistant glass and artificial turf.
Outdoor training
facilities
Outside, we offer full-size grass pitches which can be converted to rugby or soccer fields, as well as a top-of-the-line artificial hockey turf and one of the best athletics tracks in the country today.
Rest &
Recovery
After training, rest and recover with our physiotherapy beds, ice machine, and hot and cold plunge pools.
History
History
The centre was originally known as the Adidas Institute of Rugby and was built to model the shape of the iconic silver fern – the most recognised icon in New Zealand sport.
Since its opening in 1999 as a training academy for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) – and a base for the New Zealand academy team – the Sport and Event Centre has played host to high profile sports teams from New Zealand and around the world, including the Black Ferns, NZ Defence force, and most recently the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Spanish team.