SkyCity partners 2017 World Masters Games

Auckland entertainment centre SkyCity has become the official hotel and fine dining partner of the 2017 edition of the World Masters Games multi-sport event.

SkyCity is a casino, hotel, convention and event centre at the base of the Sky Tower in the New Zealand city, which is to host the 2017 Games. The deal was announced today (Friday) as the 45 competition venues were revealed for the first time.

Jennah Wootten, chief executive of World Masters Games 2017, said: “This is a significant partnership that will help underpin the unique athlete experience we are striving for. Providing a range of accommodation and entertainment options for our inbound visitors is top of mind in the creation of any successful event.”

Auckland has estimated it will make NZ$36m (€22.5m/$28m) from the 10-day event, with 13,000 international participants expected.

The quadrennial World Masters Games is an international multi-sport event, organised by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), which separates athletes according to a variety of age ranges, from 25 years old upwards.

Property company Barfoot & Thompson was announced as presenting partner in March 2014.

John Mortensen, SkyCity Auckland general manager, said: “The World Masters Games will be a huge event for Auckland, and we are happy to play our part and contribute our two award-winning hotels and stable of eateries along Federal Street.”