Christchurch’s One New Zealand Stadium has been named one of the world’s most beautiful sports venues by the Prix Versailles.

The stadium is one of just seven venues worldwide on this year’s list.

Each will now go on to receive additional World Titles for architecture, interior or exterior design at a ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 10 December.

The Prix Versailles is an annual international architecture and design award founded in 2015 and presented in association with UNESCO

“Christchurch waited a long time for the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, and this recognition shows it was worth it. To be named one of the world’s most beautiful arenas is an incredible honour,” Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said.

“We’ve got a world-class venue, but more importantly we’ve got a place where Cantabrians can come together. Whether it’s sport, music or a major event, this award is recognition of that.”

The 30,000 seat stadium opened in April 2026. It was designed by Populous and Warren and Mahoney, and its fixed transparent ETFE roof lets natural light flood the venue.

Its façade reflects the mountains, waterways and changing seasonal colours of Canterbury. Inside the seating bowl, patterns inspired by the mangōpare, or hammerhead shark, symbolise strength, resilience and perseverance.

The design was developed in close partnership with Ngāi Tahu and draws on the ancestral story of Tāne separating Ranginui, the Sky Father, from Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, bringing light and warmth into the world.

“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that the stadium is unmistakably Christchurch,” Mauger said.

“It’s a great acknowledgement of how far our city has come and where we’re heading. We always knew it would be something special, and it’s great to see the rest of the world thinking the same thing.”

Sports arenas were among the world’s most important gathering places and increasingly reflected the identity, vibrancy and aspirations of the communities they served, Prix Versailles secretary general Jérôme Gouadain said.

The awards celebrate intelligent sustainability, recognising projects where culture, architecture and environmental thinking combine to create places of lasting value.