Last updated 17:30, June 24 2018
Wellington ice hockey fans disappointed the ice hockey classic between USA and Canada at Westpac stadium was cancelled due to bad weather however accept that it's just 'one of those Wellington things'.
Westpac Stadium chief executive Shane Harmon says Sunday's cancelled ice hockey match between the USA and Canada was the most difficult event he has been faced with in his 20 years in the industry.
The match, which was to be Wellington's first international ice hockey game, was eventually scrapped on Sunday afternoon following two earlier postponements from its original Saturday afternoon start time.
The first issue arose on Thursday evening when one of the pipes containing the agent used to freeze the water on the temporary rink burst, putting organisers behind schedule.
Disappointed fans leave the stadium after being told the match was cancelled.
The match was pushed back from 4pm to 7pm as organisers made a frantic attempt to resolve the issue, but time eventually ran out and the game was delayed until noon Sunday.
Then things went from bad to worse, as strong winds blew the fencing over on one side of the rink just before the puck was dropped. The game was initially delayed again, then cancelled shortly afterwards.
The hockey game was further delayed when the perspex wall blew over.
"We're very, very disappointed," Harmon said. "It's the most challenging event that I've been involved with in 20 years in this [events] industry.
"It's the first event we've had to cancel in the stadium's 18-year history."
Problems started from the outset, with logistical difficulties in even getting the gear to Wellington, Harmon said.
Canadian supporters, from left, Kirsty and Mike Peticlerc, of Hastings, and Teresa and Paul McQuinlan of Wellington, had an earlier than planned trip home after the match was called off.
Then came the pipe issue, which delayed freezing of the water, and finally the temporary fence collapsing.
The promoters, TEG Live and TLA Worldwide, were already removing the flexi panels from the outside of the rink because they were being blown about in strong winds, when one side collapsed, Harmon said.
It was decided at that point to cancel the match.
Flexi panels have fallen over at Westpac Stadium just before an ice hockey match between the USA and Canada was due to start.
Preparation time was not an issue, but "more questions would need to be asked" of promoters if the stadium was to consider hosting another ice hockey match.
"For an event like this, certainly more questions need to be asked in relation to the infrastructure.
"Fans do respond to different and unique events and we'll continue to look to do that, but having known nothing about ice hockey a week ago, and what we know now, we would be seeking more information."
Time lapse video of Westpac Stadium Ice Hockey setup.
No ratepayer money was spent on hosting the game, and most of the risk stood with the promoters, Harmon said.
However, many fans were left disappointed, with some making three trips to the stadium only to be told the match was not starting.
The parking rate was a $30 flat fee, and there were large queues seen waiting to get in.
Specators were looking forward to seeing some ice hockey on Sunday after the game had been delayed. Arriving at the stadium are Joanne McKinstry with son Liam, 5, and Kate Coles.
TEG Live said in a statement the match was cancelled "due to circumstances beyond the control of the promoters".
"The team worked tirelessly to deliver the 2018 Ice Hockey Classic to Wellington today but, in the interests of safety of players and the need to deliver a quality event for fans, the decision was made to cancel the event."
"The promoters regret the cancellation and apologise to fans for any inconvenience."
About 10,000 tickets were sold for the match. Full refunds would be given to all ticket holders.
Ticket-holder Sophie Scott, who travelled to and from the stadium three times to see the match, said it was unacceptable for the game to be called off because of bad weather.
Scott took the bus from Miramar to get to the stadium, costing her more than $20 over the two days, and also took Sunday off work at the last minute to attend the postponed game.
"Yesterday, it was kind of understandable - you can't do a lot about a pipe breaking.
"But today it was the weather that really brought down the rink. It's being played in Wellington. Everyone knows Wellington's windy, you've got to prepare for that sort of thing."
While she would be happy with a refund, Scott said she was more disappointed about missing out on the chance to see her first live ice hockey game.
"I'm pretty upset. I was really looking forward to something new.
"I wanted some entertainment."