SKYCITY partners with Athletics New Zealand to deliver urban pole vault event

The SKYCITY Vertical Pursuit event will see world class athletes soar under the Sky Tower, with an exciting urban pole vault event coming to Federal Street in March 2018. 

Athletics New Zealand and SKYCITY join forces for the SKYCITY Vertical Pursuit event to give fans an exciting opportunity to get up close to the action ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The event will showcase New Zealand’s best pole vault athletes including Rio Olympic Bronze medallist Eliza McCartney.

The competition will be held on a new specially constructed runway and will be officially recognised for world rankings purposes.

SKYCITY Chief Executive Graeme Stephens is looking forward to hosting an event on Federal Street that will showcase world class sporting talent.

”Federal Street is becoming the home of many sporting celebrations and we’re excited to partner with Athletics New Zealand to showcase the strength, courage and talent of Commonwealth athletes, in particular our local star Eliza McCartney. The event has proved popular in previous years, and we’re confident a location on Federal Street under the Sky Tower will take it to new heights,” says Mr Stephens.

The event will be a key lead-up competition for athletes heading to the Commonwealth Games, taking place on the Gold Coast from 4-15 April 2018, with competitors from the likes of Canada and England in line to take part.

Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Hamish Grey says: “SKYCITY is a big supporter of local sport and we’re so excited to begin what we know will be a great relationship. Federal Street is the perfect location for the SKYCITY Vertical Pursuit, bringing world class pole vault to what is already a vibrant entertainment precinct under the Sky Tower. It will be one of the highlights of the Auckland summer events calendar.”

The SKYCITY Vertical Pursuit will be free for spectators to attend; it will form part of the Athletics New Zealand International series of elite competitions being held around the country next March.

During the April and October school holidays, SKYCITY will also host special children’s athletics days on Federal Street to get Kiwi kids excited about the Commonwealth Games. Athletes from New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games team will be on hand to meet with the children and help them take part in fun athletics games and activities.