RWC Venue AMI Stadium Christchurch Affected by Earthquake

AMI Stadium was damaged by last Tuesday's earthquake, it is the venue for 5 pool games and 2 quarter final games.  The playing field at the stadium had suffered liquifaction from the seismic activity and is described to be unplayable with a surface that resembles nothing like a flat rugby pitch.

Christchurch's Rugby World Cup stadium has been closed for two weeks to assess damage sustained to buildings and ground.  These two weeks will be used to inspect and determine how long it will take to make repairs and whether it will be used in the tournament beginning September 9.

Only minor damage has been reported thus far and it would seem that these repairs would be achievable for Christchurch to remain a key city/venue for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.