Major sports competitions across New Zealand collectively rejoiced on Wednesday, with news of the Government's plans to ease the country's outdoor gathering restrictions under COVID-19 protocols.
From 11:59pm Friday, crowd limits will be removed for outdoor events, meaning spectators will be able to return en masse to sporting venues nationwide.
Outdoor face mask requirements have also been scrapped, while indoor events will be capped at 200 people.
"From this weekend, sports and outdoor events can resume," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.
The most notable and immediate beneficiaries are the Super Rugby Pacific competition and the Womens' Cricket World Cup tournament.
Super Rugby Pacific
Games through the opening five rounds of the inaugural rugby tournament have gone ahead without crowds, which has cost franchises and stadia significant revenue.
But starting with Saturday's clash between the Blues and Highlanders at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium, gates will open to all punters hungry for some live rugby action.
Unfortunately, Friday's match between Moana Pasifika and the Hurricanes will proceed without a crowd, with the match taking place just five hours before the new laws begin at midnight.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner says he's "thrilled" with the Government's announcement.
"We have a great lineup of sports fixtures and concerts planned at our iconic stadium including the Super Rugby Pacific game between the Blues and Moana Pasifika on April 2," says Sautner.
"Being able to host unrestricted crowd numbers means we can now fill the stands with fans from across the region to cheer on their favourite team."
NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson believes says the return of crowds will be a huge boost for the franchises.
"Just delighted it's come about now at a critical time for the game," says Robinson. "Especially in our professional ranks.
"We can see the revenue flow back into the game and also allow our fans to reengage with the game."
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee adds: "The ability to have crowds for the rest of the season is probably the most significant thing that's happened this year. There hasn't been that much positive news, so it's really good to have some and we'll certainly take it."
Women's Cricket World Cup
The news also has implications for the Women's Cricket World Cup. The tournament earned an exemption from the Ministry of Health to allow up to 10 percent of crowd capacity at each of the venues.
But organisers have now put more tickets on sale for the final six games of group play and the knockout stage of the competition, which had been sold out under the previous restrictions.
That includes the White Ferns' final group match against Pakistan at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Saturday, which - barring a mathematical miracle - will double as their tournament swansong.
"World Cup semis and finals are special occasions that don’t come around too often," said CWC 22 chief executive Andrea Nelson.
"This is a great way for cricket whānau in Wellington and Christchurch to get out there, get together and be part of something special, no matter who is playing.
"We had sold out what we had available under the previous restrictions so it's great to offer full capacity and meet the demand which I know will be high.
"The momentum in women’s sport is building – the timing couldn’t be better for Aotearoa sports fans to get along and support the best cricketers in the world playing in our own backyard."
NZ Warriors
Meanwhile, NZ Warriors will proceed as planned for their long-awaited homecoming on July 3 against Wests Tigers - their first at Mt Smart Stadium since August 2019.
The team have committed to remaining in Australia at their Redcliffe base for the duration of the 2022 NRL season but say they can now plan with certainty for the future.
"Now we’re confident and hugely excited about the way being cleared for a return to our true home," says chief executive Cameron George.
"Our first game back against Wests Tigers on July 3 will be one of the biggest and certainly the most emotional in the club's history. We want to see the place packed to the rafters for what will be an unforgettable occasion.
"As a club, we can't wait for that day. We're so thrilled fans will have the opportunity at last to see their team at our home."
After the Tigers on July 3, the Warriors will host Melbourne Storm (July 29), Canterbury Bulldogs (August 12) and Gold Coast Titans (September 3).
Wellington Phoenix
Wednesday's announcement has set the ball rolling for the Kiwi A-league side to return home.
Planning is underway for the Phoenix to host games in Wellington and Auckland next month.
"This is the best possible news, as one of the main impediments to bringing the team home has been removed," says chief executive David Dome.
"We'd always hoped to play matches in New Zealand this season and now we can work with APL to confirm venues, dates and kick-off times.
"As was the case last year, it's very important that our first game back is in Wellington, but it's also important to us that we play in front of our fans and partners in New Zealand’s biggest city."
The Phoenix haven't played in New Zealand since May 30, when they took on Perth Glory at Eden Park.
In the motorsport world, both the Auckland round of the V8 Supercars at Pukekohe and the return of the World Rally Championship in September will be able to operate without limitations.
Organisers of the Women's Rugby World Cup will also be breathing a sigh of relief, with their competition able to go ahead free of restrictions from October 8 to November 12.
