Pioneer History

In 1970 the Christchurch City Council approved in principle that Centennial Park in Spreydon was to be the site of an indoor stadium and pool complex. However, the project didn’t commence until 1976 because of the City Council’s financial commitment with the 1974 Commonwealth Games. As a result of the generous donation from the Pioneer Amateur Sports Club work on the stadium began in 1976.

The Pioneer Amateur Sports Club contributed 98 years of sporting life to Christchurch. When the club was disbanded and the premises sold, the proceeds were gifted to the City Council. To commemorate the Pioneer Sports club and the generosity of the members the new Stadium was therefore named Pioneer Sports Stadium.

The original plan for the recreation complex consisted of a three stage development. Stage I building of a Indoor Stadium and Squash Courts, and stages II & III building of a swimming pool and paddling pool respectively. Pioneer Sports Stadium opened in 1978, the multi purpose recreation facility was able to accommodate a variety of sports and activities. The facility consisted of an indoor stadium catering for two full size basketball courts or 6 volleyball courts, four squash courts, kitchen, lounge and viewing gallery.

Pioneer Stadium soon became a well patronised venue, providing facilities for indoor sports competitions of basketball and volleyball, after school recreation programmes of gymnastics, trampolining and badminton. As well as hosting numerous shows and events annually.

In 1999 Pioneer Stadium was transformed into the Pioneer Leisure Centre completing stages II and III of the original plan. Now a modern recreation and aquatic facility, a fantastic destination for sport and family entertainment. The Centre’s new features include a fun leisure pool with wave machine, spa, sauna and steam room all poolside, along with a separate 25m, 5 lane lap pool, a fitness Centre with aerobic studio, Early Childhood Centre, café and physiotherapist services.